Tzav: following orders

The parsha is not only named Tzav but it is also bracketed by the word. Command, give orders.

The central portion of the parsha talks about various Shlomim offerings, peace offerings, offerings of wholeness. The distinction is made between an offering of thanks, Todah, and an offering that is the fulfillment of a vow. The fulfillment of a vow implies that there was a reason for the vow, the thrall promises an offering in exchange for Gd providing a favorable outcome. (Giving tzedakah to have a good day). Thus the shlomim that is the fulfillment of a vow is like a “please “ offering and the Todah is “thank you” ( like Captain Kangaroo).

The Todah (thanksgiving) offering is eaten for only one day. Thanks become stale as they go on for a long time, they become a questioning of the benefactor as the belly grows full and the meat grows cold and spoils. Why was the favor granted? What did the giver get out of it? Why didn’t I get more?

The “please” shlomim is eaten for 2 days. It is eaten until it spoils. When you ask for something, consider what happens after you get it.

Without the orders, you would not know the proper etiquette for please and thank you, and improper manners don’t bring peace. Sometimes it is best to just follow orders [could not resist]

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