Tzav
In this week's Parsha, we continue to read about the sacrifices that would take place in the Temple. After explaining the fine details of the law, the Abrabanel delves into the deeper meaning of the sacrifices.
The Talmud tells us that what we accomplished in previous generations with the sacrificial offerings, we reach the same spiritual results nowadays by praying.
Just like there were prescribed daily sacrifices, we have the daily prayers. The Abarbanel quotes the Kuzari, who uses a parable to explain what prayer achieves.
When one sits down for a meal, he is not merely trying to satisfy his immediate hunger. A person wants to take in enough nourishment to avoid feeling hungry until the next mealtime arrives. Prayer is meant to work exactly the same way.
When we pray we are not only focusing on connecting with G‑d only for the moment. We want to ensure is, that even afterward, when we finish praying, the love and commitment we expressed to G‑d remains with us.
The Abarbanel tells us, this is the deeper meaning of the verse "This is the law of the elevation offering... that stays on the Altar, all night until the morning."
The term "Elevation offering" sums up quite succinctly the essence of the Soul within us. Our Neshama, our Soul, wishes to "elevate," to rise up from the mundane and connect to G‑d.
Morning, noon, and evening, we have that opportunity for prayer. However, our goal is to perpetuate and carry over those feelings to the rest of the day.
That is why the verse states, "...all night until the morning." For the evening prayer to be truly effective, its impact has to last and be felt all night, until the morning.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.