VOLUME 105 NUMBER 2
Nissan 9, 5783
April 1, 2023
PARSHAS TZAV
Candlelighting Time 7:06 PM
The parsha opens with an in-depth discussion of the olah sacrifice which is totally burnt on the altar. Ohr Hachaim Hakodosh has a lengthy dissertation expounding how the olah sacrifice alludes to the tremendous difficulties that we have suffered over the years from the nations of the world. The altar is an reference to all the generations that have sacrificed their lives for the sake of Heaven. However, it is noteworthy that he ties this theme into the parsha of the olah sacrifice.
Rabbeinu Bachya also discusses the significance of the olah sacrifice and associates it to the soul of the individual. The power invested in us by Hashem by virtue of our innermost operational mode, our soul, elevates us to a plateau that far exceeds even that of the angels. Perhaps he is suggesting that the angels are ‘programmed’ to comply with the commands of Hashem. We, on the other hand, have free will. Although we should submit to Hashem’s bidding, however, we do have the option, however corrupt it is, to ignore our obligatory duties. Therefore, when we conquer those urges and acquiesce to the correct way of life, we merit tremendous reward for the battle waged that accomplished such a sublime and majestic goal.
There is a mitzvah to kindle the fire on the altar although a Heavenly stimulated fire descended and ignited the pyres of wood on the altar. Chinuch questions why was it necessary for us to light the fire since anyway it would be ignited from a Heavenly source. Chinuch launches into a deep philosophical discussion pertaining to the essence of a person’s composition. He explains that we are comprised of four basic elements and fire is the chief of those essentials. Perhaps we can understand his explanation of fire as the passion which inspires us to perform with alacrity and enthusiasm. That tremendous eagerness which spurs us on to fulfill the Torah and mitzvos requires a source from Hashem that will provide us with the impetus to indeed realize that duty. Therefore, the Beis Hamikdash, the repository of Hashem’s presence on earth, is the place where we can create that bond with Hashem and merit that Divine assistance to ‘ignite’ our very being to elevate our service to Hashem.
Perhaps we can now appreciate the significance of the olah sacrifice. Although all the offerings were of supreme importance, however, it is clear from Rabbeinu Bachya that the olah topped the list of prominence concerning the sacrifices brought. The total obliteration of the very essence of the animal expresses a compelling message that enflames one to envision his own mission within the framework of Torah and mitzvos and even further to expend one’s very being should that opportunity arise.
Therefore, as we approach the Yom Tov of Pesach when we renew our relationship with Hashem in its fundamental phase, when we left Egypt, we formed a new body called the nation of Hashem which has carried us forth through a millennia of challenging and disturbing times, yet we have met those trials and tribulations with bravery and courage proclaiming Hashem’s sovereignty in a world of doubt and uncertainty. We have never wavered and we have a lineage of those who have paved our path and paid the ultimate price sacrificing their very existence on the altar of Hashem.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS HAGADOL
The Shabbos before Pesach is referred to as Shabbos Hagadol, the great Shabbos. In Egypt, we accepted our first mitzvah, that of the Pesach sacrifice. We became great because upon acquirement of a mitzvah our souls become elevated and we develop and enhance our lives through that expansion. As we prepare for Pesach and the seder it is vital to realize that this is a time for growth and advancement of our duties and enrichment in serving Hashem.
S’FAS EMES
GOOD SHABBOS AND GOOD YOM TOV
