By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
SAN DIEGO — In this week’s Torah reading, parasha Tzav, we read of the continuing lessons of the offerings in the Holy Temple, introduced in parashat Vayikra, reminding us that these were meant to be a means of drawing closer to Hashem and atoning for our sins. This concept of “korban,” or drawing near, is an essential part of Jewish worship and is central to our understanding of the role of sacrifice in Judaism.
In his commentary on this parasha, the great 18th-century Jewish sage, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, suggests that drawing near to Hashem reflects our desire for spiritual growth. In our own lives, we can draw near to Hashem in many ways. We can do so through prayer, study of Torah, acts of kindness, and other mitzvot. But like the offerings in the Holy Temple, these actions must be accompanied by an inner commitment to align ourselves with His will and to live our lives with the intention of drawing nearer to Him.
Rav Hida, also known as Rabbi Chaim Yosef David Azulai, was a prominent Sephardic Rabbi and Kabbalist who lived in the 18th century. One of the insights that Rav Hida provides on this week’s reading is related to the concept of the “eternal flame” that is mentioned in the portion. He explains that the flame represents the eternal connection between Hashem and the Jewish people, and that it is a reminder of the constant presence of Hashem in our lives.
The Chofetz Chaim taught that just as the offerings were a means of drawing near to Hashem, so too should our speech be a means of drawing near to other people. Our words have the power to either bring us closer or push us further away from others. Therefore, we must be careful with the words we use and strive to use them in a positive and constructive manner, helping each other.
This week’s parasha, Tzav, is filled with korbans, “offerings,” from burnt ones (“olah”), to thanksgiving ones (“todah”), to peace ones (“shlamim”), the latter sometimes referred to as “goodwill” or “wellbeing” offerings. We surely need peace and wellbeing now. One of the insights that the Chasam Sofer provides on parasha Tzav is related to the concept of the “olah” sacrifice, which is a type of offering that is completely consumed by fire on the altar. He explains that the olah sacrifice represents the idea of complete devotion to Hashem, and that it is a reminder of the importance of putting Hashem first in our lives.
Not only in this week’s parasha do we learn the value of the peace, goodwill, or wellbeing offerings. Peace over truth, Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel teaches, is an essential first choice in the Torah. We are built upon, anchored in, the belief that we have a collective dependence, a genuine concern, a heartfelt bond, for each other’s wellbeing. It’s this harmony, amity, care, and support that demonstrates a healthy community. We reveal our utmost potency when we as a community draw together in considerate, peaceful, compassionate, and authentic unison.
Often when Hashem speaks with Moshe, we read the words “emor” meaning “speak to,” or “dabayr” translated to, “say.” But this week the parasha begins with “tzav” the root of “mitzvah,” or “commandment.” Rashi teaches that the use of this strong word was to caution the priests to be unusually careful in their rituals in the Mishkan. While many relate this urgent obligation to religious practice, perhaps there is a deeper link to contemporary times. Is Hashem instructing us, through “tzav,” to follow not only religious obligations, but to come together as a community, to adopt and obey safe practices to protect our collective health and each other?
The parasha teaches us the importance of humility in our relationship with Hashem…and in turn with each other. The priests were instructed to wear simple clothing while performing the offerings, and the Torah emphasizes the importance of the priest’s humble attitude towards his role in the Temple service.
This idea of humility is a reminder that our relationship with Hashem is not one of equals. We cannot approach Him with arrogance or a sense of entitlement. Rather, we must approach Him with humility, recognizing our own limitations and the greatness of Hashem.
Rabbi Abraham Twerski, a prominent Orthodox rabbi and psychiatrist has shared various insights on parasha Tzav throughout his teachings and writings. In one of his talks on parasha Tzav, Rabbi Twerski emphasizes the importance of the commandment to remove the ashes from the altar in the Temple. He explains that the ashes symbolize the residue of our previous actions and experiences and removing them represents the need to constantly let go of our past and focus on the present.
Rabbi Twerski also emphasizes the significance of the fire on the altar, which was never allowed to go out. He compares the fire to the passion and enthusiasm we should have in our own lives, particularly in our spiritual pursuits.
Another lesson from parasha Tzav that Rabbi Twerski highlights is the concept of “loving your fellow as yourself.” He notes that the various sacrifices described in the parasha have different levels of holiness and value, but they all require the same amount of love and intentionality from the person bringing the sacrifice. Similarly, we should strive to treat everyone we encounter with the same level of kindness and respect, regardless of their background or status.
One way in which the sacrificial offerings can be understood as having a psychological impact, is through the concept of atonement. The offerings were brought to seek forgiveness for sins and to restore a sense of purity and wholeness. This process of seeking forgiveness and atonement can be seen as having a positive impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing, as it allows us to let go of guilt and shame and move forward with a sense of renewed purpose and meaning.
Additionally, the sacrificial offerings were often accompanied by communal celebrations and feasts, which can be seen as having a positive impact on our social and emotional wellbeing. Coming together as a community to celebrate and give thanks can help to foster a sense of connection and belonging, which is important for our overall sense of happiness, health, and wellbeing. Indeed, the late 19th-century commentator known as the Netziv suggests that the thanksgiving offering must be accompanied by a public celebration with many guests invited. The Netziv teaches us that expressions of gratitude should ideally not be kept private, but rather is an emotion to share with others in a public celebration.
Finally, the laws and instructions related to the sacrificial offerings can be seen as a reminder of the importance of ritual and routine in our lives. Having a sense of structure and order can be beneficial for our mental and emotional health, as it provides a sense of stability and predictability in an often-chaotic, uncertain world.
The psychology of the Mishkan can also be seen in that the oil lamp represents our soul, the incense symbolically stands for the sense of Hashem that fills our lives, and the bread offering signifies the physical world. The fire on the alter, “The fire on the alter shall not be extinguished,” in Chasidic tradition, denotes the human will.
As we now turn to Pesach, with all the cleaning and shopping involved, let’s also be inspired to bring the knowledge of the offerings and see what stands in our way of drawing closer to Hashem. It was Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch who explains that separating the ashes of the previous day’s sacrifice, may be teaching us the value of a fresh start, of renewal, of moving forward, not backward. We see inside of title of this week’s reading, Tzav, a perfect connection between Purim and Passover, inside of the root of both mitzvot and matzot. We are guided to positively face the adversities and challenges in our lives with passion and with zeal, anchored in knowing our purpose and role in making a difference in this world, each in our way.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun. He may be contacted via michael.mantell@sdjewishworld.com