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Leviticus 22:29 - Gratitude sacrifice: accepted how?

Leviticus 22:29 - ויקרא 22:29

Hebrew Text

וְכִי־תִזְבְּחוּ זֶבַח־תּוֹדָה לַיהוָה לִרְצֹנְכֶם תִּזְבָּחוּ׃

English Translation

And when you will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it that it may be accepted.

Transliteration

Vechi-tizbechu zevach-todah la-Adonai lirtzonchem tizbachu.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְכִֽי־תִזְבְּח֥וּ זֶֽבַח־תּוֹדָ֖ה לַיהֹוָ֑ה לִֽרְצֹנְכֶ֖ם תִּזְבָּֽחוּ׃
וְכִֽי־תִזְבְּח֥וּ זֶֽבַח־תּוֹדָ֖ה לַיהֹוָ֑ה לִֽרְצֹנְכֶ֖ם תִּזְבָּֽחוּ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding the Thanksgiving Sacrifice (זֶבַח תּוֹדָה)

The verse (Vayikra 22:29) discusses the zevach todah (thanksgiving offering), a type of shelamim (peace offering) brought to express gratitude to Hashem for deliverance from danger or distress. Rashi explains that this sacrifice is voluntary (lirtzonchem—"that it may be accepted"), meaning it must be offered with sincere intent and joy, not merely as an obligation.

Conditions for Acceptance

The phrase lirtzonchem ("that it may be accepted") teaches that the sacrifice must meet specific halachic and spiritual criteria:

  • Proper Intent: Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 13:11) emphasizes that the kohanim and the one bringing the offering must have proper kavanah (intent) for the sacrifice to be valid.
  • Without Blemish: Like all sacrifices, the animal must be free of defects (Vayikra 22:20-25).
  • Timely Consumption: The Talmud (Zevachim 35b) notes that the todah must be eaten within a strict time limit (the same day and the following night), reinforcing the urgency of gratitude.

Symbolism of the Thanksgiving Offering

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 9:7) connects the todah to the future era when all sacrifices will be expressions of thanks, as prophecy states (Yirmiyahu 33:11), "the voice of joy and the voice of gladness… thanksgiving offerings in the House of Hashem." This highlights the eternal relevance of gratitude in Jewish worship.

Practical Lessons

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 122) derives from this verse that gratitude is not merely an emotion but requires active expression—through sacrifice in Temple times, and today through prayer (Birkat HaGomel) and acts of kindness. The emphasis on lirtzonchem reminds us that sincere appreciation must accompany outward rituals.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Menachot 110a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the proper intentions required when offering sacrifices, emphasizing the need for the sacrifice to be offered willingly and with proper devotion.
📖 Zevachim 7a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the laws of sacrifices, particularly the thanksgiving offering, and the conditions under which it is considered acceptable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a 'sacrifice of thanksgiving' mentioned in Leviticus 22:29?
A: A 'sacrifice of thanksgiving' (זֶבַח־תּוֹדָה) is a type of korban (offering) brought to express gratitude to Hashem for a personal salvation or miracle, such as recovering from illness or surviving a dangerous journey. The Talmud (Berachot 54b) lists four situations requiring this offering. It was accompanied by loaves of bread (Vayikra 7:12).
Q: Why does the verse say 'offer it that it may be accepted'?
A: Rashi explains this teaches that the sacrifice must be offered with proper intent (לִרְצֹנְכֶם - 'for your acceptance'). The Rambam (Hilchos Ma'aseh HaKorbanos 13:11) states this means bringing the sacrifice willingly and with joy, not as an obligation. Proper kavanah (intention) is essential for sacrifices.
Q: How do we fulfill the idea of thanksgiving offerings today without the Temple?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 54b) teaches that instead of animal sacrifices, we now offer 'thanksgiving with our lips' through Birkat HaGomel (a blessing recited after surviving danger) and daily prayers of gratitude. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 9:7) says sincere prayer and Torah study can replace sacrifices.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from this verse about gratitude?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse emphasizes expressing gratitude promptly when we recognize Hashem's kindness. Just as the thanksgiving offering had to be eaten the same day (Vayikra 7:15), we should acknowledge blessings immediately. The Chovos HaLevavos (Duties of the Heart) expands on how constant gratitude shapes our relationship with Hashem.