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One of the most important korbanot discussed in Parshat Tzav is the korban Toda, the thanks-offering. It is a central feature of the Jew to give thanks to Hashem, to others, even to the world around us which offers so much to us. Indeed, "Yehudi/Jew" is based on the word "Toda."
The root of toda also connects to "modeh," admittance that we are not perfect & totally self-sustaining. That fact of life is what inspires us to thank & acknowledge those upon whom we depend for our lives & livelihoods. So important is thanksgiving, says the Medrash, that even if all other korbanot will not brought in the future Bet HaMikdash, the korban Toda will still remain.
In the daily Amida, the 1 section (besides Kedusha) that can’t be fulfilled by simply answering Amen is Modim D’Rabanan. Why? Because saying "thanks" requires personal attention & effort.
While the korban Toda does not exist today, we do have a modern-day equivalent: the Birkat HaGomel, recited at Torah-reading, in order to give thanks in 4 specific instances: Recovery from a serious illness or a life-threatening situation; being freed from prison; or crossing an ocean or desert. Have you figured out the link to Pesach yet?
All 4 of these HaGomel situations occurred during Yetziat Mitzrayim! We recovered from our spiritual malaise & the depression which gripped us as slaves; we were freed from the vast prison that was Paro’s Egypt; we safely crossed the Reed Sea & then successfully made our way through the desert to Mt. Sinai & the Land of Israel!
I suggest that all of us, at one time or another, face the same crises our ancestors did: We struggle against illness, be it physical or emotional; stress, despondency or lack of faith. We often feel trapped, as if in prison, within the confines of financial or societal constraints. And making our way through the vicissitudes of life is akin to crossing a vast ocean or desert, battling the elements which confront us, until we finally reach the other side.
And so, at all times we must admit our dependency on Hashem & give Him thanks. Indeed, the entire message of Pesach, say Chazal, is essentially one of Hakarat HaTov, appreciating G-d & showing our gratitude to Him.
Shabbat "HaGadol?" There is nothing more Gadol than saying Toda for that which is above, & around us.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
