My Thanksgiving

Tzav
Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Précis: The parasha begins with Adonai ordering Moses to command (“tzav”) Aaron and his sons concerning burnt offerings. Requirements for the daily offerings, directions for the meal offerings, instructions for guilt-offerings and thanksgiving offerings are described. The parasha then describes the initial offerings of the Tabernacle made by Aaron and his sons following their consecration to service by Moses.

       In this week’s reading, we learn about a variety of offerings: burnt offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, among others. We also read about the “zevach sh’lamim,” often translated as “sacrifice of well-being.”
       The burnt offering comes from a Hebrew root meaning “to go up” and usually is thought of a cloud of smoke rising above the altar, connected to a request being made by the offeror, and is totally consumed on the altar.
       The “sacrifice of well-being” is much different. It is often construed as a way to fulfill vows, or as a thanksgiving offering. Unlike other sacrifices, with the zevach sh’lamim, a portion of the sacrifice is eaten by the offering family (think of a BBQ on Thanksgiving Day!). One midrash suggests that in the time of the Messiah, the only offerings which will continue will be the zevach sh’lamim.
        How do we make a connection with today? Thanksgiving should not be restricted to the 4th Thursday of November. I find particular resonance in the lyrics in the song “My Thanksgiving” by Don Henley:

The trouble with you and me my friend, is the trouble with this nation:
Too many blessings, too little appreciation.
And I know that kind of notion—well, it just ain't cool,
So send me back to Sunday school.
Because I'm tired of waiting for reason to arrive;
It's too long we've been living these unexamined lives.
I've got great expectations:
I've got family and friends,
I've got satisfying work,
I've got a back that bends,
For every breath, for every day of living-
This is my Thanksgiving

      I suggest that any day which goes by without saying a sincere “thank you” to someone who is important to you is a day wasted – and none of us should be wasting a single day!