Tzav-Zachor 5774

“He shall offer, along with the korban todah (thanksgiving offering), unleavened loaves mingled with oil; unleavened wafers spread with oil; and scalded flour mixed with oil. (Vayikra/Leviticus 7:12)

Rashi explains that one makes a thanksgiving offering after surviving four potentially life-threatening situations: crossing a sea; traversing a desert, experiencing imprisonment; and undergoing serious illness. Together with the thanksgiving offering, one brings forty loaves of bread in four different forms. The kohen (priest) receives one loaf of each kind; the rest, all 36 remaining loaves, must be consumed on the day offered and by the following evening.

Other offerings could be eaten over a longer period, so why abbreviate the time period permitted for the consumption of the korban todah? 

Sforno writes: “By having a lot of bread, the miracle will be publicized by the many eaters.” Explains Rav Zechariah Tubi, Rosh Kollel Rabbanut of Yeshivat Kerem b’Yavneh: “The limitation in the time of eating…is intended to gather a greater crowd, which will be able to eat all that needs to be eaten in a relatively short time.” The Netziv concurs: “This is so he will invite many friends for a single meal on the day of the sacrifice, so the telling of the miracle will be before many people.”

The greater the crowd, the more the miracle would be publicized. All present would be moved by the firsthand account of G-d’s benevolence. They would think about G-d’s role in their lives and realize that should they ever find themselves in danger, they could call on G-d for help.

It is fitting that this year we read this Torah portion on Shabbat Zachor, the Sabbath preceding the Purim holiday. (This year, Purim begins Saturday evening, March 15.) Purim commemorates the Jewish people’s miraculous salvation from annihilation at the hands of the Persian Empire. We are obligated to publicize this miracle (pirsumei nisa) by publically reading Megillat Esther, the scroll containing the story. According to Shulchan Aruch (141:9) “the precept is best observed if one hears the Megillah in the synagogue where there is a multitude of people, for ‘in the multitude of people is the King’s glory.’ (Mishlei/Proverbs 14:28).”

By the time we become parents, we have experienced countless miracles. Close examination reveals G-d’s hand in all of the seemingly random events that become part of our life story. We must share with our children our personal stories and the stories of the Jewish people. Our children will grow up knowing that even when G-d seems hidden, He still is very much present, and continuously looks out for our welfare.  

https://www.kby.org/english/torat-yavneh/view.asp?id=3729

http://www.partnersintorah.org/parsha-partner/tzav-5772