Getting Out of Your Head

In this week's parsha, Tzav, the Torah speaks of several different sacrifices that were offered in the Temple. There is one offering that is more special than all the rest, the Korban Toda, the thanksgiving offering. What is unique about this offering, is that, while other personal offerings, such as sin and guilt  sacrifices will cease to be offered when Moshiach comes, the thanksgiving is the only personal offering that will not.

What is unique about the Toda, that makes it everlasting?

Moshiach, will usher in an era, when Godliness will permeate our lives openly. Sinning, death, sickness etc., will cease to exist. With no sinning the sin offering becomes obsolete, and the same with guilt offerings.

The Toda, on the other hand, will continue. Toda means thanks, however, taking a deeper look at the word, we find that its root is the same as Modeh, to admit which is a validation of the other. And in a way, that is what giving thanks is all about recognizing the other.

In a way, you can say, that when Moshiach comes, we will finally get out of our heads. We will have no problems, no pain, and no suffering to focus on. When you think about yourself there is no room for joy or anyone else, as your problems take over your every thought. However if you could find a way to focus on others, you will feel joy, a taste of Moshiach.

This is why the the Toda will go on. We will recognize Hashem's hand in our success, good health, safety and nachas.

I love when I get visitors, because when I am alone, I start thinking about myself, and like everyone else, I have things that bother me, that is totally out of my control. When I get visitors, my focus is all about them. The same is true when I write these Dvar Torahs, it makes me focus on others, and it gets me out of thinking about myself.

It is my hope that Moshiach will come soon, and all suffering and pain will end.
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Today is Purim. How does this connect to Purim?

The essence of Purim is about getting out of yourself. The mitzvahs of Purim, get you out of thinking about yourself. First, sending gifts of food to a friend, then by giving gifts of money to the poor, and finally, by having a meal, where getting drunk is mandatory. It is all about getting out of yourself, by transcending yourself you come to a place where there are no problems, and joy begins. We should have Purim more often.