This week's Torah Portion is Tzav (Command) and it is the sixth word in this week's reading (Lev. 6:1 - 8:36). Here we have G-d telling Moses to "command" Aaron and his sons about the "elevation offering". We also, in this parsha (portion), we learn the laws of: the Meal Offering, High Priest's Offering, Sin Offerings, Guilt Offerings and Peace Offerings. It concludes with the portions of the Peace Offerings which are allotted to the Priests and the installation ceremony of the Priest for serving in the Sanctuary.
Lot's of offerings huh?
There is an interesting commandment (Lev. 7:12) where we are told, "If for thanksgiving he offers it, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers spread with oil, and fine flour soaked and made into cakes mingled with oil"
What lesson can we learn from bread being the subject of the offering?
We are told that when person's life is in danger and he is saved, it is incumbent upon him to bring a korban todah, a thanksgiving offering. Together with the offering he also brought forty loaves of bread in four different forms. One of each kind was given to the Kohen (priests). The remaining thirty-six were his to eat -- however, there was a time limit. He had the remainder of the day and the following night to consume them.
What? THIRTY-SIX LOAVES of BREAD??? Heavy carbs, right?
So, why? What is the point?
The great Italian sage The Sforno comments that the purpose of this extremely short time period was to ensure that he would share the bread with others. This would ultimately publicize the fortunate event.
The lesson for us: Publicize your joy and gratitude to the multitudes for the Almighty's kindnesses, but seek one sympathetic and understanding listener for the problems. Share joy with others and your life will be more joyous.
Good advice!
Passover Seder News
We are quickly filling up for our traditional Passover Seder to be held on Saturday evening the 31st of March starting at 6:30PM. If you want to experience a true Jewish Passover we invite you to join us. We'll have food, and matzah and wine and juice and the story of the Passover in a way you have never experienced. This isn't a thirty-minute "drill". You should plan on being with us for at least two hours (Maybe a little more if the conversation gets going!) If you wish to bring wine with you, feel free. This will be a meat meal so there will be no dairy products included.
Call Alan Steckman to make your reservations: 641-424-9362. The Seder is $20 for adults and $10 for children under 12. You can also mail your check and note to Adas Israel, PO Box 621, Mason City, Iowa
Comments