In this week's teaching there are many crucial commandments and teachings. One of the most central is that the fire on the altar must be kept burning at all times.

The fire on the altar is symbolic of the fire within each of our hearts that must be kept alive and burning. Yet, so many events in our lives risk not only dimming the fire within, but putting it out entirely. This must be guarded against. We do not dare to let it go out, for if we do the true altar, within our own lives, will become darkened and lifeless.

A great question then follows, how do we keep this fire burning, how do we keep our inspiration and connection to Gd wholly alive? The answer is also given in the parshah...where it speaks of making offerings, all kinds of offerings, particularly elevation offerings.. The more we offer ourselves to one another, to Gd, and to the truth as we receive it, the brighter our fire will burn . As we give ourselves fully, as our offering is "wholly consumed," our lives will become true altars, and each act become one of worship. Our acts then also fulfill a basic mitzvah of Passover, "Open Your Doors and Let all Who Are Hungry Come and Eat." All who are hungry, not only for food, but for warmth, love, acceptance and wisdom .