Tzav – Page 14 – Peninim on the Torah

“Command Aharon and his sons saying, “This is the law of the burnt offering.” (6:2)

Rashi notes the specific use of the emphatic term “command” as opposed to “say” or “speak”. Armed with this strong approach Hashem enjoined the Kohanim to be especially zealous in performing this service, as well as in transmitting the exhortation to future generations. Emphasis is necessary whenever a possibility of monetary loss exists, as is this case. This can be likened to a warning sign on a road in which there is a remote chance of an accident occurring. Similarly, the Torah cautions us whenever there is a likelihood, no matter how remote, of a weakness related to the performance…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5752

“This is the law of the burnt offering, such burnt offering shall remain on its firewood upon the Altar.” (6:2)

Rashi explains that every individual instance in which the word “Torah” is used, the implication is that one particular law is applicable. In this case “Torah” refers to all sacrifices that “come up” on the Altar, even if they become unfit. They remain, since they have already “come up”. This law applies only to those sacrifices which become unfit in the Sanctuary. Those which become unfit prior to being brought into the Courtyard of the Sanctuary, however, are not offered as sacrifice. Horav Yehudah Zev Segal Zt”l remarks that we may derive a profound lesson regarding our focus in…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5752

“This is the law of the sin-offering, where the burnt offering is slaughtered shall the sin-offering be slaughtered.” (6:18)

A Jew was required to bring a sin-offering when he transgressed unknowingly. It might seem strange, perhaps even unjust, that if one sinned through sheer forgetfulness, he was required to bring an animal offering as penance. Chazal maintain, however, that if someone is truly separated from evil, even that sin would not have occurred. A sin is able to penetrate an individual’s defenses because it has found an opening. An inadvertent sin does not just happen, it grows from a tiny spark of evil to which one has not attended. The Medrash states that one who does not bring a…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5752

“If he offers it for a thanksgiving.” (7:12)

The Medrash states that in the era of Moshiach, all sacrifices will become void, with the exception of the Offering of Thanksgiving. Similarly, it is taught that all tefillos will be abolished in the future except for those of thanksgiving. We may question the need for thanksgiving in the era of Moshiach. Thanksgiving is expressed in acknowledgment of Hashem’s beneficence by one who has been rescued from grave peril. The sacrifice is, therefore, man’s method of expressing his belief that Hashem actively guides every aspect of his life. During the era of Moshiach, man will not lack for anything, for…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5751

“And the Kohain shall put on his linen garment… and lift up the ashes which the fire has consumed.” (6:3) – “Then he shall remove his clothes and put on other clothes and carry out the ashes.” (6:5)

Prior to lighting the fire for the new day’s offerings, the Kohain would perform the ritual of lifting up the ashes. This act does not belong to the preparation of the altar for this day’s service, but rather this is the culmination of the previous day’s service and may only be performed by a Kohain dressed in the complete priestly vestments. The ashes are then placed on the east side, next to the altar, to serve as an remembrance of the devotion represented by the sacrifices of the previous day to Hashem. A new idea is learned from this ritual…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5751

“This is the offering of Aharon and his sons.” (6:13)

The offering described in this posuk and in the following psukim according to explanations in the commentaries, are the Chavitei Kohain Gadol, a daily morning and evening offering to be brought by the Kohain Gadol, and the Minchas Chinuch of the Kohain Hedyot, a minchah which every Kohain brought upon his induction to the priestly service. In essence these two offerings were the same, except in name, and in mode of offering. The Kohain Gadol, brought this offering daily, offering half in the morning, and the other half in the evening, while the ordinary Kohain brought it once, on the…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5751

“If he offers it by reason of gratitude.” (7:12)

The accepted definition of the word “todah” is the acknowledgment of gratitude and appreciation to one who has performed a specific act. In reality there is another concept expressed by the word todah. We may define todah as an act of admission and concession. When one confesses to another, he is in fact conveying a message of agreement with the other party’s opposing view. The idea which connects these two contrasting approaches to the meaning of “todah”, whether it be an expression of gratitude, or as an act of admission, lies in the depths of man’s natural instinct. Man’s innate…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5751

“Take Aharon and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil… and gather all the congregation together unto the entrance of Ohel Moed. (8:2-3)

Moshe is enjoined regarding the mitzvah of anointing Aharon and his sons prior to their induction into the priestly service. What reason is there for the whole congregation of Bnei Yisroel to assemble at the entrance to the Ohel Moed? What connection do they have to this mitzvah, and what purpose is served by it? As this mitzvah is directed to Moshe, why did he relate it to the Bnei Yisroel? The Kohain Gadol’s influence over the people is proportional to the extent that they are unified and in agreement. When there is discord and strife among them, his spiritual influence…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav

“If he shall offer it for a Thanksgiving-offering.” (7:12)

The imperative to pay gratitude to Hashem Yisborach and to everyone that benefits us is a compelling one. Fortunate is he who is able to show that appreciation. I have been writing about hakoras ha’tov – recognizing the benefit we receive and demonstrating that recognition – for many years, but I never thought I would publicly convey my personal hakoras ha’tov to HaKadosh Baruch Hu Shehechiyani v’Kimani, u’Gemalani Kol Tuv. Chazal teach us that the Korban Todah was accompanied by forty loaves of bread, so that the beneficiary would be “encouraged” to invite people in order to relate Hashem’s chassodim, kindnesses,…

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“Command Aharon and his sons saying, “This is the law of the burnt offering.” (6:2)

“This is the law of the burnt offering, such burnt offering shall remain on its firewood upon the Altar.” (6:2)

“This is the law of the sin-offering, where the burnt offering is slaughtered shall the sin-offering be slaughtered.” (6:18)

“If he offers it for a thanksgiving.” (7:12)

“And the Kohain shall put on his linen garment… and lift up the ashes which the fire has consumed.” (6:3) – “Then he shall remove his clothes and put on other clothes and carry out the ashes.” (6:5)

“This is the offering of Aharon and his sons.” (6:13)

“If he offers it by reason of gratitude.” (7:12)

“Take Aharon and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil… and gather all the congregation together unto the entrance of Ohel Moed. (8:2-3)

“If he shall offer it for a Thanksgiving-offering.” (7:12)

YEARS

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