Tzav – Page 9 – Peninim on the Torah

“The fire on the Altar shall be kept aflame on it, do not extinguish it.” (6:5)

The literal translation of lo sichbeh is “do not extinguish it.” The Baal Ha’Tanya rendered an alternative interpretation for this phrase. “You must extinguish the lo, the negative, within you.” Negativism is an all-consuming destructive force which paralyzes an individual. How does one overcome a negative self-image? How does one develop self-esteem? It is not the intended goal of this book to serve as a psychological authority, or to offer advice for coping with one’s emotional deficiencies. Yet, culling from some of the popular Torah-oriented authorities will help us to address a problem whose severity has reached epidemic proportions. A…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5764

Moshe said to the assembly, “This is the thing that Hashem commanded to be done.” (8:5)

Rashi explains that Moshe Rabbeinu was telling the people that anointing Aharon and preparing him to serve as Kohen Gadol was not his own “idea.” He was following the instruction of the Almighty. Moshe was concerned that the people might suspect that he was acting either on his own behalf or on the behalf of his brother Aharon. He mitigated their concerns. While this may have “calmed” the people, Chazal relate that Moshe was still worried that he might personally benefit from the honor of investing Aharon into the Priesthood. This would constitute me’ilah, unlawfully benefiting from this holy endeavor….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5763

“The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic.” (6:3)

Rashi explains that the vestments the Kohen wears must fit according to his body measurements. They should be neither too long, nor too short. Horav Tzvi Hirsch Ferber, z.l., interprets this idea figuratively. Regrettably, sometimes when a person is accorded great honor and “dressed” in royal finery – lauded, praised and esteemed – the raiments are “too long.” They are greater than he actually is. He is not worthy of all the accolades and honor that the community is showering upon him. The individual who is the paragon of virtue and respectability provides a contrast. A man of sterling character,…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5763

“The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic…he shall separate the ash…and place it next to the Altar. He shall remove his garments and don other garments, and he shall remove the ash to the outside of the camp.” (6:3-4)

In the Talmud Yoma 23b, Chazal explain that the Kohen’s act of removing his garments was an act of derech eretz, good manners and courtesy. It is not proper for a servant to pour wine for his master while wearing the same garments that he wore when he was cooking the meal. Horav Mordechai Gifter, z.l., derives a powerful message from Chazal’s words. A human king has many servants, each performing a specific function. The cook prepares the food, restricting his area of expertise to the kitchen. In contrast, the king’s waiter is someone whose training, refinement and breeding benefit…

Home -> 5763 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5763

“The fire on the Altar shall be kept aflame on it, do not extinguish it.” (6:5)

The literal translation of lo sichbeh is “do not extinguish it.” The Baal Ha’Tanya rendered an alternative interpretation for this phrase. “You must extinguish the lo, the negative, within you.” Negativism is an all-consuming destructive force which paralyzes an individual. How does one overcome a negative self-image? How does one develop self-esteem? It is not the intended goal of this book to serve as a psychological authority, or to offer advice for coping with one’s emotional deficiencies. Yet, culling from some of the popular Torah-oriented authorities will help us to address a problem whose severity has reached epidemic proportions. A…

Home -> 5763 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5763

Moshe said to the assembly, “This is the thing that Hashem commanded to be done.” (8:5)

Rashi explains that Moshe Rabbeinu was telling the people that anointing Aharon and preparing him to serve as Kohen Gadol was not his own “idea.” He was following the instruction of the Almighty. Moshe was concerned that the people might suspect that he was acting either on his own behalf or on the behalf of his brother Aharon. He mitigated their concerns. While this may have “calmed” the people, Chazal relate that Moshe was still worried that he might personally benefit from the honor of investing Aharon into the Priesthood. This would constitute me’ilah, unlawfully benefiting from this holy endeavor….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5762

“Command Aharon.” (6:2)

In general, the Torah introduces the commandments regarding the korbanos with the less emphatic term, amarta, say (1:2), or daber, speak (4:2). Regarding the Korban Olah, Elevation/Burnt offering, the command is emphasized with the word tzav, command. Chazal explain that the Kohanim are being urged to be especially zealous in performing this service and to reiterate its significance to future generations. Rabbi Shimon adds that this exhortation is expressly applicable to commandments that involve a chisaron kis, monetary loss, such as the Korban Olah, which is entirely burnt on the Altar, leaving nothing for the Kohanim. The concept of chisaron kis…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5762

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

Parashas Vayikra addresses all of the basic information regarding the korbanos. Parashas Tzav elaborates on the korbanos and the various halachos which concern the Kohanim in executing the avodas ha’korbanos, service of the sacrifices. It is interesting to note that only one korban – the Korban Todah, Thanksgiving offering, is totally omitted from Parashas Vayikra and mentioned for the first time in Parashas Tzav. Why is it mentioned for the first time in Parashas Tzav, which is addressed to the Kohanim? Horav Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld, z.l., distinguishes between two levels of gratitude. He cites the Talmud in Berachos 7b which states…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5761

“The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic.” (6:3)

Rashi explains that the vestments the Kohen wears must fit according to his body measurements. They should be neither too long, nor too short. Horav Tzvi Hirsch Ferber, z.l., interprets this idea figuratively. Regrettably, sometimes when a person is accorded great honor and “dressed” in royal finery – lauded, praised and esteemed – the raiments are “too long.” They are greater than he actually is. He is not worthy of all the accolades and honor that the community is showering upon him. The individual who is the paragon of virtue and respectability provides a contrast. A man of sterling character,…

Home -> 5761 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tzav, 5761

“The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic…he shall separate the ash…and place it next to the Altar. He shall remove his garments and don other garments, and he shall remove the ash to the outside of the camp.” (6:3-4)

In the Talmud Yoma 23b, Chazal explain that the Kohen’s act of removing his garments was an act of derech eretz, good manners and courtesy. It is not proper for a servant to pour wine for his master while wearing the same garments that he wore when he was cooking the meal. Horav Mordechai Gifter, z.l., derives a powerful message from Chazal’s words. A human king has many servants, each performing a specific function. The cook prepares the food, restricting his area of expertise to the kitchen. In contrast, the king’s waiter is someone whose training, refinement and breeding benefit…

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“The fire on the Altar shall be kept aflame on it, do not extinguish it.” (6:5)

Moshe said to the assembly, “This is the thing that Hashem commanded to be done.” (8:5)

“The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic.” (6:3)

“The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic…he shall separate the ash…and place it next to the Altar. He shall remove his garments and don other garments, and he shall remove the ash to the outside of the camp.” (6:3-4)

“The fire on the Altar shall be kept aflame on it, do not extinguish it.” (6:5)

Moshe said to the assembly, “This is the thing that Hashem commanded to be done.” (8:5)

“Command Aharon.” (6:2)

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

“The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic.” (6:3)

“The Kohen shall don his fitted linen tunic…he shall separate the ash…and place it next to the Altar. He shall remove his garments and don other garments, and he shall remove the ash to the outside of the camp.” (6:3-4)

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