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Home -> 5771 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5771

Aharon and his sons carried out all the matters. (8:36)

Rashi states that the Torah is teaching and praising the level of Aharon HaKohen’s and his sons’ commitment. “They did not deviate ‘right or left’” from all that they were commanded, and did exactly as instructed despite the voluminous details and minutae involved in these laws. Sifra comment that this alludes not only to their execution of the mitzvah, but also to the joy inherent in their performance. Although they did not hear the command directly from Hashem, Aharon and his sons performed it with enthusiasm and zest. There was no volunteering someone else, shrugging of shoulders, or exhibiting false modesty. They…

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Home -> 5771 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5771

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

The Midrash teaches that l’asid lavoh, after the advent of  Moshiach Tzidkeinu, all the korbanos, offerings, which effect atonement will be eliminated except for the Korban Todah, Thanksgiving-offering, which will continue. In a perfect world, sin will no longer exist. Yet, gratitude and thanksgiving will never be cancelled. While this statement is a powerful commentary on the significance of expressing gratitude, what purpose will there be for this declaration once Moshiach arrives and the “good times” begin? Hodaah, gratitude, is expressed by the recipient of a personal miracle; one who has been saved from a near-death experience; an individual who has survived…

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Home -> 5771 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5771

It is the olah [that stays] on the flame, on the Mizbayach… and the fire of the Mizbayach shall be kept aflame on it. (6:2)

In the Talmud Succah 28a, Chazal relate an incident to express the idea which is reflected in both parts of the above pasuk by two different commentators. Chazal relate that Hillel HaZakein had eighty students, thirty of whom were worthy that the Shechinah rest on them, as it did on Moshe Rabbeinu. Another thirty of them were worthy that the sun stand still for them, as it did for Yehoshua bin Nun. The remaining twenty ranked in-between. This means that they were on a greater spiritual plane than those disciples who were compared to Yehoshua, but were not quite as…

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Home -> 5771 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5771

This is the law of the Olah/Elevation-offering. (6:2)

Rashi explains that “This is the law of the Olah-offering,” is an inclusionary phrase. The Torah teaches us that one “law” includes all offerings that have been alu, placed on the Mizbayach, Altar. Even if they had been pesullin, disqualified, and therefore should not have been placed on the Mizbayach in the first place, we say: Im alu lo yeirdu, “If they ascend, they should not descend.” This is derived from Zos HaTorah – “Every instance that the Torah writes, ‘This is the law,’ it comes to include something.” In this case, all disqualified korbanos, which must be allowed to…

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Home -> 5771 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5771

Command Aharon and his sons, saying: This is the law of the Olah/Elevation-offering. (6:2)

In previous exhortations concerning the korbanos, offerings, the mitzvah was introduced either with the word daber, speak, or amarta, say. Why does the Torah use the more emphatic term, tzav, command, regarding the Korban Olah, Elevation/Burnt offering? Chazal explain that the more emphatic term is used here to urge the Kohanim to be especially zealous in performing this service; and to ensure that this enjoinment be repeated and emphasized constantly throughout future generations. Rabbi Shimon adds that this exhortation is especially relevant to those commandments that involve a monetary loss, such as the Korban Olah from which the Kohanim received…

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Home -> 5771 -> Tzav

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5771

Command Aharon and his sons, saying, “This is the law of the Olah/Elevation-offering. It is the Olah [that stays] on the flame.” (6:2)

The Midrash Rabbah makes an intriguing statement: Any nation or people which “elevates”  itself  over  Hashem  or His  nation  will  be judged  with  fire. Chazal are teaching us the terrible punishment in store for the person, or people who arrogate personal eminence – who views himself or themselves as greater than Hashem. While this is addressed primarily to the gentile oppressors who feel that they can take on Hashem and His people, it also serves as a blanket statement decrying the ill effects of arrogance. Let us face it: Whoever acts haughtily is, in effect, against G-d, in Whose eyes…

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