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…
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…
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…
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…