In this week’s parshah, Tzav, the Torah speaks of several different sacrifices that were offered in the Temple. There is one offering that is more special than all the rest: the Korban Todah (thanksgiving offering). While other personal offerings will cease when Moshiach comes, the Todah will not.

What is unique about the Todah that makes it everlasting?

Moshiach will usher in an era when the Divine will permeate our lives openly. Sinning, death, impurity and sickness (the reasons for most offerings) will cease to exist. With no negativity, these offerings become obsolete.

The Todah, on the other hand, will continue. Todah means “thanks.” Taking a deeper look at this Hebrew word, we find that its root is the same as modeh, “to admit,” which is a validation of the other. And in a way, that is what giving thanks is all about—recognizing the other.

In a way, you can say that when Moshiach comes, we will finally get out of our heads. We will have no problems, no pain and no suffering to focus on. When you concentrate on yourself, there is no room for joy or anyone else, as your problems take over your every thought. However, if you can find a way to focus on others, you will feel joy, a taste of Moshiach.

This is why the Todah will go on. We will recognize G‑d’s hand in our success, good health, safety and nachas.

I love when I get visitors because when I am alone, I start thinking about myself, and like everyone else, I have things that bother me, which are totally out of my control. When I get visitors, my focus is on them. The same is true when I write these messages; it makes me focus on others and gets me away from thinking about myself.

It is my hope that Moshiach will come soon, and all suffering and pain will end.

Today is Purim. How does this connect to Purim?

The essence of Purim is about getting out of your own head, away from yourself, even dressing in costume to be different. The mitzvahs of Purim cause you to concentrate on others: by sending gifts of food to a friend or neighbor; by giving gifts of money to the poor; and by having a festive meal, where drinking more than usual is de rigueur. It’s about transcending to a place where there are no problems, a place where joy begins. Perhaps we should have Purim more often!