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Home -> 5773 -> Tzav

אם על תודה יקריבנו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5773

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

Life is wonderful. This is especially true when one considers the alternative. In any event, the fact that the Torah has us bringing a Korban Todah, Thanksgiving-offering, upon being saved from serious illness, released from prison, or having survived a dangerous journey indicates that staying alive is a good thing. It is definitely something which we should make the most of. It is, therefore, perplexing that Bais Shammai and Bais Hillel debated one another for two and one-half years concerning the very same issue: Would it have been better not to have been created, or is creation beneficial? Clearly, there…

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Home -> 5773 -> Tzav

אם על תודה יקריבנו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5773

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

The Midrash teaches that le’asid lavo, in the future End of Days, all korbanos, sacrifices, will be bateil, nullified; all prayers will also be nullified, with the exception of the Korban Todah, Thanksgiving offering. The sound of todah, gratitude, will continue to resonate – even when all others have been halted. We wonder what purpose gratitude will serve in the End of Days: What need will there be for requiring gratitude? There will no longer be any pain or sorrow, hunger or thirst, illness or personal trauma. There will be no questions, no accidents, no issues that need resolving. Everything…

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Home -> 5773 -> Tzav

והרים את הדשן... על המזבח ושמו אצל המזבח

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5773

And (he) shall take up the ashes… upon the Altar, and shall put them down at the side of the Altar. (6:3)

There are people who live in the past, resting on the laurels of eras gone by, the achievements of yesterday, the successes that have been long over. One lives in the past when he does not have much of a present to speak of, and even less of a future to which to look forward. This does not mean that one should forget the past. Absolutely not. The past is a critical component in establishing the present and preparing for the future, but one must live in the present. The mitzvah of Terumas HaDeshen which was carried out by the…

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Home -> 5773 -> Tzav

ואש המזבח תוקד בו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5773

And the fire of the Altar should be kept aflame on it. (6:2)

The commentators interpret this pasuk homiletically. “And the fire of the Altar shall be kept aflame on it.” One in whom the fire/passion to serve the Almighty burns within him should be careful to see to it that it remains bo, “within him” – not externally, to hurt others. In other words, one should go to great strides to see to it that his religious observance does not impinge on others. An observant Jew should be especially sensitive to the feelings of those around him. They quote the passage in the Talmud Succah 28a, which notes that Yonasan ben Uziel,…

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Home -> 5773 -> Tzav

Command Aharon and his sons. (6:2)

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tzav, 5773

Command Aharon and his sons. (6:2)

Rashi quotes Toras Kohanim that comments, “Tzav, the word, ‘command,’ can only be meant to express urging on, miyad u’le’doros, for the immediate moment and for future generations. (Furthermore) The Torah must especially urge in a situation where there is a loss of money.” The Kohanim sustain a financial loss because they are not paid for their service. In order to perform it, they must be readily available, thus precluding any other form of livelihood.  The Torah makes this point within the context of the Olah – Elevation/Burnt Offering, because the loss of income in this case is especially significant….

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