Parashat Tetzaveh

Continuity Builds Connection

by Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon 
Founder and Boar Chairman, JobKatif

The Sacrifice of the Tamid in our parasha is described as  “a regular burnt offering throughout the generations at the entrance of the Tabernacle.” (Shemote 29:42-45)

We see here that G-d says that the Sacrifice of the Tamid will be done “throughout the generations.” How can this be if today we don’t have the Tabernacle or the Holy Temple to give sacrifices?

The Gemarah in Brachote 26b says that our prayers are in place of the sacrifices today. The prayer of Shacharit represents the sacrifice that was given at Shacharit or in the morning. The prayer of Mincha represents the sacrifice that was given at Mincha time and the prayer of Mariv for the sacrifice that was given at Mariv time. We can now understand that we can still fulfill our Mitzvah of giving sacrifices through prayer.

It is true that the times for prayer represent the lost sacrifices, but prayer is much more than that.  Prayer is a basic foundation of worship of G-d. One that was done before the Holy Temple by our forefathers and one that was done in the time of the Temple by Chana (see Shmuel I for the prayer of Chana). Prayer is the food for the soul of man.  It is what connects man to his creator. It is a set personal meeting with Him every day.  Afterwards we have the strength to act and create during the remainder of the day with G-d by our sides.

But there is still another question that exists. Why is the Sacrifice of Tamid even mentioned in our Parasha? Last week’s parasha, Parashat Truemah and this week’s parasha both talk exclusively about the building of the Tabernacle and its utensils. Not the actual service that will occur!

So why are the Sacrifice of the Tamid, the lighting of the Menorah, the Lechem Hapanim and the Incense Offering mentioned in these two parasahs?

To answer this question I would like to share an idea from my Rebbi and Teacher Rav Amital Zt”l.

There is a Midrash that tells the story about three Rabbis that suggest what is the central rule of the Torah. One says “Shema Yisroel.” Another says “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” The third Rabbi says that the Sacrifice of the Tamid is the central and most important rule of the Torah.

Rav Amital explains that people are always searching for new projects and emotions. This Gemarah suggests that the Torah is saying the first thing that comes before everything else is the Sacrifice of the Tamid. First we need to keep to the basic rules of the torah, the things that are more routine. Afterwards we can add on special experiences.

If we look at our parasha we see something very interesting. All the services that are mentioned have the word “Tamid” or regular attached to them. Unfortunately, the holy temple has been destroyed and we no longer have sacrifices regularly, the Lamp lit regularly, the bread regularly, or the incense sacrifice regularly. However, we still have the ability to serve G-d regularly.

Consistent service of G-d is what preserves our relationship with Him. This is what gives G-d a place in our lives today.

Shabbat Shalom!