Parshas Tzav: The Divine Principle of Continuity

In this week's Torah portion, Tzav, Vayikra(Leviticus) 6:1–8:36, God commanded the Israelites to keep the fire on the alter burning continuously. It should never be extinguished. This fire constantly consumes the animal sacrifices that atone for sin and guilt, as well as peace and gratitude sacrifices and parts of meal offerings brought to the holy priests. The commandment of continuous ritual sacrifice in the physical plane as described in our portion represents a commandment to continuously purify our soul from worldly influences, and to cultivate gratitude and reverence for God. Sacrificing our selfish ambitions, our secular sophistication, and our conditional thinking to the Divine keeps us comfortable and in covenant with our Creator.

The physical and spiritual integration needed to keep our inner fire burning for a holy way of life pre-supposes the act of being conceived and born into this world. Ensoulment at conception provides this accommodation. Speaking of continuity, the human soul exists before and after conception, as noted in Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” 

The soul's uninterrupted flow from heavenly to earthly abode at conception and back again upon natural death depends on safe passage from the womb. In this context, child sacrifice, i.e. abortion homicide, represents profound disobedience to the Divine principle of continuity,

Torturing to death millions of innocent humans in the womb every year around our globe for profit and population control demonstrates idol worship and destruction of holiness ignored or embraced by lost souls in many walks of life. Those of us whose fire for God burns without interruption dedicate our time and resources to repairing the world as God calls us to do. At the JPLF, we heed the call to continue educating and inspiring our misguided Jewish brothers and sisters here and in Israel to choose life, and to testify to our friends that Judaism rests on a God given right to life. 

Cecily Routman

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and good life upon us and upon all Israel. Amen.