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by Dr. Avigdor Bonchek

Introduction

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Vayikra

Vayikra 7:12

If he is bringing it as a thanksgiving offering, he shall offer, along with the thanksgiving offering unleavened loaves mixed with oil, unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and scalded flour mixed with oil.

If he is bringing it as a Thanksgiving: Rashi:If [he brings it] on account of a matter of thanksgiving - on a miracle that happened to him, for example, those who go down to the sea, those who travel in the desert , those who are imprisoned, or he who was sick and was healed, they are required to thank G-d as it says of them "Let them give thanks to Hashem for His kindness and His wonders to the children of men. And let them slaughter thanksgiving offerings." - if on account of one of these he vowed these peace offerings, they are " peace offerings for thanksgivings" and require the breads that are mentioned in the section and may not be eaten beyond a period of one day and one night as it is explained here.

As you look at the words I put in bold (who was healed) and compare this case with the other three cases of being saved, what would you ask?

A Question: Why does Rashi add the words "and was healed" in the case of the sick person, while in none of the other cases does he speak of rescue?

Can you think of an answer?

Your Answer

An Answer: The Lubavitcher Rebbe explains that In all the other cases (being saved at sea or in the desert or from prison) it would be impossible for them to bring an offering in the Temple without first being rescued from prison, sea or desert, so by definition they must have been saved, while the sick person may feel some improvement, though not yet be completely healed and want to go to the Temple to offer his thanks. Here Rashi says only when he is healed must he come, but not before.

As in the full analysis of this comment (found in the first series) again we see how precise Rashi is in choosing his words.

Shabbat Shalom,
Avigdor Bonchek

Avigdor Bonchek has published a new book on Rashi called "Rashi: The Magic and the Mystery" published by Gefen. Look for it at Jewish book stores.


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