B"H
Friday, Adar2- 19, 5784 / March 29, 2024
The Torah portion for this Shabbat is Parshat Tzav– the second Parsha in the Book of Vayikra (Leviticus). Parshat Tzavdescribes many of the sacrifices which were offered in the Holy Temple. The Hebrew word for sacrifice is "Korban." It comes from the root of “Karov" which means to come closer. The better translation for Korban is, to get closer.” The offering makes one closer to G-d.
Although the sacrifices must be brought only in the Mishkan and Holy Temple and we don’t have the Temple today, however the concept of "Korban" is still valid. The daily prayers, which are in place of sacrifices, accomplish the same as they bring a person closer to G-d.
One of the sacrifices mentioned in the Parsha is the "Korban Toda" - "The Thanksgiving offering."
The Korban Toda was brought by an individual as an offering of thanks and recognition for G-d's kindness when they came through safely in one of the following four categories: 1) When one is freed from prison; 2) When one recovers from a serious illness; 3) When getting back on land after a sea voyage; 4) When one traveled safely through the desert.
Today, when we have no sacrifices, we recite the special blessing of "HaGomel" to thank G-d for delivering us from one of the above or similar situations. The blessing is said in synagogue at the Torah reading. Offering thanks to G-d for the good He does for us is basic to Judaism.
In addition, we recite each day, during the daily morning service (except on Shabbat and holidays), Psalm 100 -A Psalm of Thanksgiving. This is to thank G-d for the many miracleswhich He performs for us daily. Especially the constant miracles, which we take for granted by calling them nature. For nature itself is one of the greatest miracles.
Another one of the sacrifices mentioned in the Parsha is the "Olah" sacrifice - the "burnt-offering" which was completely burnt on the altar. The Olah atoned for sins committed through thought.
People commonly think that thoughts won't hurt anybody, so one can think anything they desire as long as the thoughts don't enter into the realm of deeds. However, according to the Torah, one is responsible and accountable for bad thoughts as well. This is why in the "Al Chet" prayer which we recite on Yom Kippur asking G-d to forgive us for our sins, we also ask forgiveness for the sin of "improper thoughts."
This Shabbat we read from two Torahs. Inthe first we read the regular Parsha, Tzav. In the second we read about the Red Heifer – Para Adumah. We read this before Pesach in anticipation for Moshiach and the final redemption when we will have the Holy Temple again and be able to bring the Passover sacrifice this Pesach in the Holy Temple. Amen.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 7:01 / Shabbat ends: 8:06
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.