At the end of Parshat Tetzave, we learn about the Incense Altar (Mizbeach Miktar Ketoret) also known as the Golden Altar (Mizbeach HaZahav) and the Inner Altar (Mizbeach HaPnimi).

We read about the Incense Altar in Shmot 30:1:

You shall make an altar to burn incense (ketoret). Make it out of acacia wood (atzei shitim)…

Acacia trees are found in large areas of the Negev and Sinai deserts.

The acacia tree’s fruits, peels and leaves serve as food for animals. The branches are used for bird’s nests. The acacia tree brings life to the desert and does acts of loving kindness for the creatures that would otherwise not be able to live without it.

The Netziv writes in his commentary HaEmek Davar that the ketoret is compared to Gmilut Chasadim, acts of loving kindness.

Shlomo Kfir explains that acacia is a symbol of acts of loving kindness since the Incense Altar is made from it.

Bread is sacrificed on the altar made of acacia wood and gold. Since the acacia tree saves the animals, it would not be appropriate to sacrifice animals on its wood. We see from here that the acacia tree is a symbol of acts of loving kindness even after it is cut down.

May we appreciate the three species of acacia trees that grow in Israel and may we emulate their acts of chesed.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)