This week’s parsha discusses the korban todah, one of the many sacrifices that were offered in the Tabernacle and Temple. The korban todah, Thanksgiving offering, would be brought to the Temple by anyone who survived a life- threatening situation, such as a potentially hazardous journey or illness. Part of the Thanksgiving offering includes flour which is used to bake 30 unleavened loaves with oil and 10 leavened loaves without oil. The korban along with the 40 loaves had to be eaten in an exceptionally short amount of time- less than 24 hours. Why does the Thanksgiving offering have to be eaten in such a short amount of time? And why does the Thanksgiving offering include 30 unleavened loaves baked with oil and 10 leavened loaves baked without oil? The answer to the first question is given by Rabbi Shraga Simmons. The Torah wants to create a situation whereby someone saved from a life-threatening situation will not only appreciate his good fortune, but will share that appreciation with others. With so much food to eat in a short amount of time the individual bringing the korban todah will have to invite family and friends to share in his gratitude to Hashem. As for the symbolism behind the unleavened and leavened loaves, Rabbi Shimshon Rafael Hirsch elucidates. He explains how the leavened loaves represent growth and unrestrained freedom. The unleavened loaves represent food and the oil with which they are made is associated with well-being. Together the unleavened and leavened loaves show the idea behind the Thanksgiving offering. The person has just emerged from a restricting, dangerous situation to an unrestricted life (leavened loaves) and now he must show recognition and gratitude to Hashem. He must realize that he owes everything – his food and well being (unleavened loaves) – to Hashem. This recognition that we owe our very existence to G-d is done publicly to bring about a Kiddush Hashem (sanctification of G-d’s name). May we all recognize that all which G-d does is in the end only good and that we must thank him for everything.