“All of the fat [of the korban shall be dedicated] to Hashem.”

(Vayikra 3:16)

The Rambam writes: “When bringing a korban one should select the finest and choicest animal of that species.… If he pledges anything [to Hashem] he should set aside his most superior possessions.”

Many of us experience moments of spiritual elevation when we feel sure our lives will be transformed from now on. And indeed even when our enthusiasm subsides it is those moments that give us the energy to continue living our lives as bnei Torah. (Tiferes Shimshon Rav Shimshon Pincus)

Sometimes Hashem sends us an unexpected moment of pure inspiration.

I’m cleaning drawers on the porch late one night when I glimpse the stars above me — the type of stars only people who clean outdoors at midnight see. Suddenly tears. I had an awful day today I think angling a rag into the crevices. Lunch wasn’t ready on time mess reigned supreme and my patience — running low since early morning — hit rock bottom. There was too much shouting; too much confusion and loss of control. Too many stressful Erev Pesach moments I always say would never happen in my home.

Hashem! I cry out silently. Why can’t I be the woman I want to be? Why is someone small tense bitter and devoid of joy always pushing her aside? Why can’t I be joyous radiating positive energy? A woman satisfied with herself?

And then it happens. Feelings of inadequacy fade away and once they leave I can take an honest look at myself. I know I’m a good person. I’m not petty or unworthy. I work hard do my best and Hashem loves me. And sees how hard I try.

At that moment the truth is blindingly clear. My unrealistic expectations cause all the frustration and tension. Is it my fault that reality in my home doesn’t measure up to my lofty goals? Who dreamed them up anyway?

The real goals are so tangible and close at hand! What does Hashem want from me? A chometz-free home a calm mother and children fed some sort of lunch and supper. More only if I feel I can. In another month nobody will remember if the windowsills took 15 minutes or 15 hours.

The truth is so comforting liberating and full of hope. I feel so close to my real self and to Hashem.

 To dedicate an animal for sacrifice a person chooses an animal and says “Harei zeh hekdesh behold this is dedicated.” According to halachah at that moment the animal becomes Hashem’s asset. Why does the Torah instruct us to go through this process? Why can’t we just take an animal bring it to the Beis HaMikdash and sacrifice it without declaring it hekdesh beforehand?

This pasuk teaches us a powerful message. Let’s imagine a successful businessman who earned enough for an entire year. He realizes his success comes from Hashem and feels overwhelming gratitude to Him. Ecstatic with his good fortune he decides to express his love to Hashem by bringing a korban to the Beis HaMikdash.

He picks the finest animal and announces “This is for Hashem!” This is the first stage. In another week perhaps a month he will continue the process by bringing the animal to the Beis HaMikdash” (ibid.).

Now whispers a voice within me. Begin it right now.

Now is the time to resolve that every morning will begin with Shacharis no matter how busy the day will be that every child will have his own daily schedule and that from 6 to 8 p.m. I’ll only look after the kids and do nothing Pesach-related. No matter what the decision the main thing is to make up my mind now!

$c$ In the meantime things are changing. The man’s finances are suffering.… When the time comes to go up to Yerushalayim to bring his korban he may have second thoughts. This is an expensive animal. I can’t afford to bring it as a korban! But it’s too late — he committed himself by saying “This is for Hashem.” The animal is already hekdesh. He cannot look back. (ibid.)$c$

Did you have an inspiring moment? Did the heavens open for a split second?

Now is the time to consecrate your decision; to anchor it to reality with chains of steel. Because today you’re up in the stars but tomorrow … tomorrow will just be another day of Erev Pesach preparations. So allow yourself to soar today.