Parashat Tsav — “Command”

Lev. 6:8-8:36(6:1- in TaNaCH); Jer. 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23, Heb. 8:1-6

This Shabbat we read the portion of Tzav, which falls just before Purim. The portion begins with the Mitzvah of removal of ashes from the altar and maintaining a constant flame on the altar. Each morning, the ashes from the previous day’s offerings were removed from the altar.

First, a portion of the ashes were placed next to the altar. Thereafter, the remaining ashes were removed from the altar and placed outside of the Temple. The ashes next to the altar were miraculously absorbed in their place.

We know that Hashem does not make miracles unless there is a special reason. Why should the ashes be placed next t the altar and absorbed there? This gives us a lesson about the Mitzvot that we perform. The offerings on the altar teach us the effect of Mitzvot.

When we brought an offering, a mundane animal was elevated to a spiritual plane. The Gemara (oral tradition) teaches that there was a lion of fire that ate the offerings, demonstrating that they became part of the heavens. When we do a Mitzvah, we take a mundane object and sanctify it by using for Hashem’s will.

The ashes being absorbed represent permanence. Part of every offering remained and became part of the altar. Similarly, every Mitzvah that we do has permanence. If we do an act of kindness, although the money is long gone, the Mitzvah remains. The cumulative effect in the world and in the heart and soul of the one who does the Mitzvah remains.

The altar had a constant flame. The altar represents the heart of the G-d-fearer. The flame burns forever. We must always serve Hashem with warmth. The Tzemach Tzedek often said that between coldness and apostasy is only a small division.

The portion continues with the consecration of the Temple. After great effort in construction, this week the Temple service began. This has a special connection to Purim. The Oral tradition (Gemara) teaches that three Mitzvot applied consecutively upon entering Israel: appointing a king, destroying Amalek, and building the Temple. Since Purim is the destruction of Amalek, this week is ideal for the construction of the Temple.

May we become more aware of our part and place in the Temple made up of living stones with Yeshua as the chief and corner stone!