The Enduring Flame: Inspiration for Shabbat HaGadol and Parashat Tzav

This special message is dedicated to the memory of Menachem ben Moishe Chaim Mendish z”l and Reisel Rachel bas Reb Shmuel a”h.

We recently lost Menachem ben Moishe Chaim Mendish z”l, for whom so many of us prayed. While we hoped for a different outcome, we, as believers, accept HaKadosh Baruch Hu's infinite wisdom.

Tzaddikim be'misasan kruim chayim—even in passing, righteous individuals continue to live through the light and inspiration they leave behind. Menachem exemplified emunah (faith) and simchas ha’chaim (joy in life), enduring challenges with love and a radiant smile. May his family find comfort and strength, especially as Yom Tov approaches.

The most profound way to honor Menachem's memory is to embody his legacy of:

• Emunah (faith)

• Hakaras hatov (gratitude)

• Simchas ha’chaim (joy in life)

This message also honors the memory of Reisel Rachel bas Reb Shmuel a”h. May her neshama have an aliyah.

The Eternal Flame: Lessons from Parashat Tzav

This Shabbos is Shabbat HaGadol and Parashat Tzav, always preceding Pesach. The parsha begins with the mitzvah of "Eish tamid tukad al hamizbeach"—a constant fire must burn on the altar.

This enduring flame held deep significance:

• Continuous Presence: Even when no offerings were being made, like in the middle of the night, the altar's fire was never allowed to extinguish. Extra offerings ensured its continuous burning.

• Perseverance through Suffering: My father, zt”l, shared a teaching from the Rambam. During the persecution of Jews in Yemen, the Rambam advised, "Eish tamid tukad"—the fire of suffering will not last forever. Maintain your emunah; HaShem will grant strength until a fresh fire of renewal appears.

• Igniting Our Own Enthusiasm: When the Mishkan was inaugurated, Aharon HaKohen and Moshe Rabbeinu first lit a fire on the mizbeach, and only then did a heavenly flame descend. This teaches that if we desire HaShem to fill our hearts with love and devotion, we must first ignite our own flame of enthusiasm.

Avodas HaShem (service of God) should never be cold or mechanical; it must be filled with warmth, passion, and love.

Removing the Ashes: Embracing New Beginnings

Parashat Tzav also teaches the mitzvah of terumas hadeshen—the kohen would remove the ashes from the previous day to make room for new offerings.

This offers a powerful lesson for our spiritual lives:

• Daily Renewal: In avodas HaShem, each day is a new beginning.

• Clearing the Past: We must clear away yesterday's disappointments and failures.

• Renewed Hope: Start afresh with new energy and renewed hope.

The Power of Gratitude: The Korban Todah

Parashat Tzav describes the korban todah—an offering of thanksgiving for those who experienced miracles, such as recovering from illness or surviving a dangerous journey.

Why were 40 loaves of bread brought with this offering?

• Publicizing Miracles: Chazal explain that it was to create a large feast and invite many people to hear about the miracle.

• Inspiring Others: The essence of a korban todah is to publicly praise HaShem and inspire others with personal stories of gratitude and salvation.

Similarly, the korban Pesach functions like a korban todah, eaten at night with matzah, accompanied by the retelling of the great miracles of Yetzias Mitzrayim. It’s not enough to feel gratitude internally; we must express it aloud to inspire those around us.

Shabbat HaGadol: The Greatness of Being Commanded

Why is this Shabbos called Shabbat HaGadol (the Great Sabbath)?

• The Great Miracle (Nes Gadol): A great miracle occurred when Bnei Yisrael openly took the lambs—the Egyptian gods—to prepare for the korban Pesach, and the Egyptians were powerless to stop them.

Chazal teach an important principle: "Gadol ha-metzuvah ve’oseh"—one who performs a mitzvah because they are commanded is greater than one who does so voluntarily.

Why is this so?

• Overcoming Resistance: When commanded, the yetzer hara (evil inclination) fights harder against us. Overcoming that internal resistance brings greater merit.

Before Yetzias Mitzrayim, Bnei Yisrael were commanded in two mitzvos:

• Korban Pesach: Fostered communal unity, as families joined to bring and eat the offering.

• Bris Milah: An individual mitzvah, where each Jew strengthened their personal connection to HaShem.

Both communal and individual strength are vital. Together, they uplifted the nation from the 49th level of tumah (impurity), preparing them for redemption.

A Final Message: Approach Pesach with Renewed Strength

As we approach this final Shabbos before Pesach, let us remember the message of eish tamid—to approach our avodah (spiritual work) with renewed enthusiasm and warmth. Whatever mitzvos we do now—be it cleaning, cooking, or preparing—let us infuse them with simcha (joy) and passion.

Pesach can be challenging, but with HaShem’s help, may we all be fortunate to approach it with joy and gratitude, strengthening our personal connection to Him.

I hope to send an additional message in the coming days, perhaps with stories or words of encouragement for your Pesach preparations.

For now, I wish you all a wonderful Shabbos HaGadol. May it be a time of aliyah for all our neshamos and a preparation for a beautiful and uplifting Pesach.