Thought of the Week: Tzav - 5779

ASH AND FIRE

 In the first paragraph of Pareshat Tzav, the Torah teaches about two services that relate to the altar:

1)          The separating of the ash from a pile that was on the altar, and placing it to the east of the ramp. 

2)       To keep the fire of the Mizbeach burning at all times and not let it extinguish.

Symbolically, the ashes relate to the service of the day before and the past.  Unfortunately, so much of our history and past is in a pile of ash.  The Torah wants a service to be performed with it to place emphasis on the value of the past.  Yet, we must have the ability to regenerate enthusiasm, and keep the fire burning, since the world needs us to provide the light and warmth of our values.

Shabbat Shalom