God is in the details!
This week, we read Parshat Tzav (צו), which is related to the word mitzvah (מצוה), meaning commandment or obligation. The commandments in this Parshah outline the many details with which the ancient Kohanim must concern themselves when bringing offerings for the altar. These details range from the kinds of clothing to be worn to the precise way animals should be slaughtered. Following the destruction of the temple and the end of sacrifice as a Jewish practice, most of these laws are not directly applicable. However, the practice of “paying attention to details” has relevance to many areas of our lives. This week, we spoke with our students about paying attention to details in their learning. We also discussed how paying attention to details matters in our relations with one another. We talked about the importance of the small details of language, such as “please” and “thank you.” We discussed the details of greeting people when you see them in the morning or pass them in the hall. We talked about listening to details when people speak and noticing details that tell us how people might be feeling (a simile, a frown, a glance). This week’s Parshah reminds us that God is in the details.
Shabbat Shalom,
Moreh Greg
