Tzav and Pesach: Strength Through Thanks

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Can we find ways to express thankfulness even in the midst of war and uncertainty? Parshat Tzav and Pesach suggest that we can – and even more, that it can help sustain us.

Parshat Tzav describes the korban todah, brought after a person experiences a personal miracle – such as, according to the Talmud, recovery from illness, release from captivity, or safe passage through dangerous conditions like a desert or the sea. In its place, Chazal instituted birkat hagomel. Rav Kook explains that while we often grow indifferent to daily blessings, moments of crisis can awaken a renewed sense of appreciation. The act of giving thanks, whether through an offering or a prayer, can help cultivate that awareness within ourselves and those around us.

The Pesach story offers a similar insight into the power of gratitude, even amid uncertainty. The Mishna teaches that after recounting the Exodus, we are obligated to thank and praise God for the miracles performed for our ancestors and for us. The Talmud adds that the first recitation of Hallel took place after the miracle at Yam Suf. One way we relive the Exodus on seder night is through expressing hakarat ha-tov, following the example of Bnei Yisrael. Before reaching their destination, they paused to acknowledge the miracles they had experienced and sang out in gratitude to God. Their model suggests that recognizing the good need not wait for the journey’s end; it can accompany us along the way, shaping how we experience the present.

From siren to siren, through alternative Pesach plans and deep concern for those on the front lines, Tzav and Pesach remind us that gratitude is not reserved for after the crisis ends. It is a practice that sustains our strength, lifts our spirits, and anchors our faith even as our story is still unfolding. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach -Karen Miller Jackson

Tzav: Approach with Enthusiasm

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Parshat Tzav, and Vayikra in general, contains many details about the korbanot and daily service in the mishkan. It is not always immediately apparent what relevance these details can have in our lives today. Yet, the biblical interpreters provide insights into these descriptions which have relevance within and well beyond the boundaries of the mikdash. 

One of the themes of parshat Tzav is “zerizut,” acting with urgency and enthusiasm. This is seen in a number of ways in the parsha. First, the opening verse: “Command (tzav) Aaron and his sons…” Rashi comments that when this language “tzav” is used it connotes “zerizut,” and should be carried out without delay. Amidst the description of this important service, there is a command to the priests to clean the ashes on the altar each morning before beginning again each day. Many ask why the kohanim, who do such holy work, also need to sweep up the ashes, a seemingly lowly job?! Nechama Leibowitz quotes Rabbi S.R. Hirsch who compares us all to the kohanim: The ashes from the previous day are removed to convey that we have an opportunity each day to approach mitzvot with “new zest.” 

Similarly, the parsha also describes the korban of thanksgiving, which was brought after a dangerous experience. Today, this is expressed through the recitation of the “hagomel” blessing. Rav Kook explains that after a traumatic experience one is given a new perspective on life and feels an urgency to express gratitude. Also, the Shulchan Aruch teaches that it should ideally be said as soon as possible (within 3 days), indicating it should not be delayed unnecessarily. Here too, there is built into the service in the mishkan and our tefillot today, an element of “zerizut.” 

Mindfulness about starting each day anew and the recitation of birkat hagomel are today’s way of carrying on the “tzav,” to approach mitzvot or express gratitude without delay and with enthusiasm. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson