Thanksgiving Feast
By Rabbi David Polsky

Parashat Tzvav introduces us to many different types of sacrifices. Among them is the peace offering, one of whose sub-categories is the Todah, the Thanksgiving sacrifice. Unlike the other peace offerings, which can be consumed by the owner over the course of two days and one night, Thanksgiving offerings must be eaten within a day and a night. The Abravanel provides a reason for this disparity that highlights its role in thanking God for the goodness He has shown the person bringing the sacrifice. Had its owner been given an extra day, he would have had enough time to eat the sacrifice without involving others in his celebration. But because he is only allotted a brief amount of time to consume the sacrifice, he will have to invite all of his friends to partake of it. When his friends and family inquire the reason for their invitation, the person offering the Thanksgiving sacrifice will recount the kindness that God has shown Him. In this manner, the Torah turns a private meal into a public celebration of God’s providence.