Tzav: Keeping the Fire Alive
Liluei Nishmas Ita bas Chanoch Aharon Bistritzky
Parashas Tzav begins with a unique command to the Kohanim. Each morning, before offering new sacrifices, the Kohen was required to remove the ashes left over from the day before. Though the korbanos burned throughout the night, by morning, only ashes remained. The Torah then gives another instruction: “A constant fire shall burn on the altar; it shall not be extinguished.”
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that these two instructions go hand in hand. The removal of ashes teaches us that each day must begin fresh. Even the most meaningful moments of yesterday become ashes today. They are not meaningless, but we can’t cling to them in a way that holds us back. Whether it’s a mistake we made or even a spiritual success, we must clear space for new growth.
As Chazal teaches, “Each day, the Torah should be as new in your eyes.” Yesterday’s inspiration, habits, or mindset may not serve us today. To live purposefully, we must let go of old patterns and meet each day with a fresh approach. Today is a new opportunity—a new beginning. Today, I become a new me.
But how do we keep that sense of renewal alive? How do we make sure today doesn’t just become another copy of yesterday?
The Torah gives us the answer: “A constant fire shall burn on the Mizbeach; it shall not be extinguished.” In order to feel renewed each day, we need an inner fire—an ongoing passion for Hashem, for Torah, and for life. When we stay connected to that spark inside us, the G-dly soul that never fades, we feel inspired and energized. That fire helps us live each day with meaning and joy.
This message is especially timely as we prepare for Pesach, the season of freedom and renewal. Before Pesach, we are commanded to remove all chametz from our homes. On a deeper level, chametz represents ego—something that rises and inflates. Matzah, on the other hand, is flat and simple. It represents humility, the quality of bittul, self-nullification, which opens us to holiness.
Getting rid of chametz isn’t only about cleaning our kitchens. It’s a spiritual process—cleansing ourselves of arrogance, selfishness, and anything that blocks us from feeling close to Hashem. Only when we make space inside ourselves can true freedom begin.
Just as our ancestors left Egypt thousands of years ago by following Hashem with absolute trust, so too will we merit the ultimate redemption by doing the same—letting go of our ego, our chametz, and making room within ourselves for Hashem to dwell. Chazal teach that, “In the month of Nisan they were redeemed, and in the month of Nisan they will be redeemed again.” this is also echoed in this week's haftorah, where we read: “Behold, I send you Eliyahu the prophet before the coming of the great and awesome day of Hashem… and he will return the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”
As we enter Shabbos HaGadol and prepare for Pesach, may we remove not only the physical chametz from our homes, but also the spiritual chametz from within. May we clear away the ashes of yesterday and reignite our inner fire. And through that, may we merit the ultimate redemption—speedily in our days.
Adapted from “Life Talks on the Parsha”