Parshas Tzav – FIRE and ICE {Eliezer}

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FIRE and ICE

Based on the teachings of:R’ Jonathan Sacks, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, R’ Tatz & R’ Rosner
[Fun Trivia: How many times in the DT does it mention Firing or Heating something up? ‘LIFE’ lesson. Versus the number of fingers on a evil hand that can extinguish them in a moment]

Torah; Vayikra 6:6: “Fire shall be kept burning upon the altar continually; it shalnot go out.” (Vayikra 6:6). Jerusalem Talmud (Yoma, 4:6): Fire should remain “continually – even on Shabbat; continually – even in a state of impurity.

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Keep your flame burning strong. Every Jew was meant to be a sanctuary (resting place) for G-d. Fire and enthusiasm must drive us to “Serve Hashem with Simcha.” Through knowing what we are doing is G-d’s will, that is what brings true happiness. Even when situations or commandments are hard, knowing that what you are doing is correct (fulfilling G-d’s commandments, bettering yourself, and coming closer to Him) will bring you ultimate Simcha.

But it is not enough to do it inside, you must express it to the world. B’saver Panim Yafos (Ethics of the Fathers – 1:15), with a loving face shown outward to others. Chasam Sofer: The Torah is referring to the spark of G-d inside each of us; but it is up to us to ignite it and bring it out. That is why the continual fire was on the outer of the two Altars. The whole world has to see, recognize, internalize, and express this concept as well.

A fire requires work; It needs a constant source of fuel. There are times we may feel our fire is dwindling, and that is when we need to throw even more branches and octane onto the coals. When the flame is flickering, do not abandon your warmth, heat and light in this world. It is a message to open the valve and let the oxygen rush in. 
The nation Amelek “Korcha” (happened upon us) when we were in our greatest heat; coming closest to G-d (Amelek is the definition of separation and doubt, brought into the world by Adam). They were there to cool us off and separate us from our beloved. That is why the word Korcha which also literally means ‘he made you COLD‘ is used. We must never let the wicked Haman cool off our eternal fire. Crank out your grogger and fan up your sparks (the grogger noise even sounds like click, clicks of sparking up a fire!).

Never let the coldness enter your heated heart.

Not Shabbos, nor impurity, nor separation can keep you from keeping your altar afire.