While all of the special offerings for festivals and other special occasions are listed in our parashah, the very first sacrifice which is mentioned is anything but special. The first sacrifice listed is the " tamid" offering, which means regular, referring to the somewhat mundane daily sacrifice. This struck some biblical commentators as a bit strange and out of place, but I would like to try and suggest the reason why.

Often times, we get excited about what is special and exciting - like the holidays and various anniversaries that we may celebrate once a year. We eagerly anticipate their arrival, mark them on our calendars as sacred time, and plan celebrations. Nevertheless, we cannot forget that there is also holiness inherent in the day to day of our lives. It is my hope and prayer for all of us this shabbat and beyond, that we not only get excited and find meaning during the special occasions that we celebrate, but that we can appreciate the holiness inherent in our everyday lives as well.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Joshua Dorsch