Quick Thoughts on the Parsha

In the third aliyah of Parshat Tzav, we learn about a specific type of korban shlamim: שלמי תודה. Rashi on Vayikra 7:12 explains that this can be given על נס שנעשה לו, for a miracle that happened to a person, for example, יורדי הים והולכי מדברות וחבושי בית האסורים וחולה שנתרפא, ‘those who made a sea-voyage, went through the desert, were imprisoned (and freed), or were sick and then healed’. These examples that Rashi lists are the same as those listed in the halachot of bentching gomel, for when a person survives hazard and potential doom, he or she must thank God for saving him or her. Rashi concludes, ואינן נאכלין אלא ליום ולילה, 'the שלמי תודה may only be eaten that day or the following night'. We learn a deep lesson from both the urgency in which this korban must be eaten and the connection between it and bentching gomel. In the moments when we overcome a seemingly impossible obstacle-- when we are saved by God-- we gain the wisdom of appreciating each and every moment, day and night. This moment is a gift, and we must appreciate it and take it in now. As Pesach approaches, the inextricability of  urgency, the present moment, and gratitude in our geula are magnified. And so, as we prepare for Pesach, may we remember and recognize the moments of Divine redemption--big and small-- in our past and present. And may we offer our שלמי תודה, our gratitude in the form of living in the moment.

-- Rabbanit Alissa