Embracing Gratitude in the Moment

Photo by Pablo de la Fuente on Unsplash

This week, as we delve into the Torah portion of Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36), let’s discuss giving thanks. Within the text, we discover the ritual of the korban, often translated as sacrifice. We learn that one who offers a korban to give thanks must eat it on the day it is offered, and none of it shall be set aside until morning. 

My question for us to ponder today is why this insistence on immediacy? Why does the Torah say that this offering must be eaten on the day when it is offered?

The Hebrew word Korban is often translated as sacrifice. Yet, at its core, the word signifies drawing closer, not giving up. This nuanced understanding invites us to see the act of giving thanks as a means to come nearer to the Divine, anchored firmly in the present moment. 

Perhaps the Torah is guiding us to recognize the power of now. It urges us to acknowledge and appreciate our blessings today without deferring our gratitude. In doing so, we open our hearts to the abundance of the moment, trusting that tomorrow, too, will bring reasons for thankfulness.

Let us, embrace gratitude fully and presently, especially in this season of reflection. For in giving thanks today, we lay the foundation for tomorrow's blessings.