Parsha Pix - Tzav

This ParshaPix combines “regular” graphic representations of different items in the sedra (TZAV) with some Parshat Zachor elements, and with more off-beat (fun) images for Purim.
Fire (upper-left) represents the fire of the Mizbei’ach that was to always remain lit. If the Menora ever went out, it was relit from the Mizbei’ach’s fire. The Ner Tamid in shuls commemorates both the eternal lights of the Menorah and the fire of the Mizbei’ach.

Divrei Menachem

Parshat Tzav informs us of the preparations made on the altar in the Mishkan so that the sacrifices of the elevation and peace offerings could take place in an orderly fashion. The first step was for the attending Kohen to remove some ash of the previous day’s sacrifices and to place it next to the altar, while wearing his fitted linen tunic and linen breeches. Then, with a change of clothing, the next step was to remove all the remaining ash outside of the camp to a pure place (Vayikra 6:1-4). Why two sets of clothing?

The 6 "mitzvot" of Purim: Megila, Matanot LaEvyonim, Mishlo'ach Manot, Seuda, Torah reading, Al HaNisim

Megila 7: - Rava says: a person should become tipsy (my word) on Purim until he does not know the difference between Cursed is Haman and Blessed is Mordechai. Notice that it doesn’t say “between Haman and Mordechai”. They represent evil and good, respectively, RASHA and TZADIK, and distinguishing between them is easy and obvious.

Esther's Role vs. the Kohen Gadol on YK

Purim comes from the word PUR, meaning lottery in Persian. This name comes from Megilat Esther: “...therefore, they called these days Purim, because of the lottery.” The method in which Purim was given this name is different from the methods used in giving names to the other holidays. The names of all other holidays incorporate, in some respect, the miracle which took place on that holiday.

Torah from Nature

Hippogriff

magical creature that has the front legs, wings, and head of a giant eagle and the body, hind legs and tail of a horse… similar to the Griffin, with the horse rear replacing the lion rear… brilliantly orange eyes… Although proud, can be fiercely loyal and protective of those who have earned their trust…

The Prohibition of Cheilev - Adapted from Otzerot HaRe’iyah vol. II, p. 95

Do not eat any of the hard fat (cheilev) in an ox, sheep, or goat. (Vayikra 7:23)
Some commentaries (Rambam and Sefer HaChinuch) explain that the Torah prohibits eating these fats for health reasons. Yet, if this were true, why is only the cheilev of these three animals forbidden?
Curiously, we find that the mitzva of KISUI DAM, covering the blood after slaughtering, only applies to nondomesticated animals and birds. Why does the Torah not require KISUI DAM also for cattle, sheep, and goats? Why do these two mitzvot, both of which pertain to the preparation of kosher meat, apply to two mutually exclusive groups of animals?

Raising the Ashes

Vayikra 6:3 - And the kohein shall don his linen tunic, and don his linen breeches upon his skin, and raise the ashes which the fire will consume of the Olah on the altar, and place it next to the altar.
Drasha L’Shabbat Hagadol, 215b:

Manifest Destiny?

Context: As Parshat Tzav draws to a close, God commands Moshe to instruct Aharon concerning the laws of the SHIVAT YEMEI HAMILU’IM, the seven days of preparation that will lead to the inauguration of the kehuna on the eighth day.
These events will launch the ongoing priestly role of Aharon and his progeny across the span of Jewish history.
Questions: Why is the priestly role within Judaism inherited and not “earned”?
Questions: The very existence of korbanot creates a powerful quandary.

P'sukei d'Zimra: Y'HI CH'VOD - Forever the King

Meaning: translation…
Hashem has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom reigns over all. The heavens will be glad and the earth will rejoice, they will proclaim among the nations, “Hashem has reigned!” Hashem reigns, Hashem has reigned, Hashem shall reign for all eternity.
Theme:
An essential concept of the prayer
Hashem Alone
Hashem’s will is the only real force in the universe.
Insight: Deeper meanings…
Hashem’s Constant Power

TZAV Increasing Gratitude

There are certain phrases or expressions that many of us find hard to say. “I love you” is one of them. Another such phrase is “thank you”.
Although these words are difficult for us to pronounce, they each reflect powerful emotions and, when finally uttered, have an unbelievable impact upon the person to whom they are addressed. It is wonderful to hear that one is loved, and it is also wonderful to learn that another person is grateful and appreciative of what one has done for him or her.

The Medical Expert

In last week’s column we asked whether one may sue a doctor for medical malpractice.
The Shulchan Aruch states that the only person who may practice medicine is one who is an expert and has received permission from the Beit Din. Not only does one have to be an expert, he needs to be THE expert; if there is another person in the vicinity who is a greater expert, the lesser expert would not be permitted to practice.

The Two Aspects of Purim

When preparing for Purim I had a number of questions in my head…
1) Why do we celebrate Purim in ADAR BET - in the second month of ADAR, if the Megila says that Purim should be “in the 12th month”? Wouldn’t it make more sense to have the festivities in the first ADAR which is the 12th month and not in ADAR BET which is the 13th month?
2) Where do we find another holiday where we have two different options for the celebration? Why do we have PURIM D’PRAZIM - for the un-walled cities and also SHUSHAN PURIM?