Negative Mitzvah 89,
Positive Mitzvot 39, 29;
Negative Mitzvah 81;
Positive Mitzvah 30

Many of the Mitzvot must be kept no matter where we are. Shabbat must be observed all the time, and in all places. We must honor and respect our parents, even if we are far away from them.

However, the Mitzvah of bringing sacrifices requires that they be offered only in one place, chosen specifically by G-d, the Beit HaMikdash.

We are forbidden to offer any sacrifice besides upon the altar in the Beit HaMikdash.

We are commanded to sacrifice two sheep every day; one in the morning and one in the evening.

They are offered for the entire Jewish people. This is the daily expression of the Jewish people's commitment to HaShem.

Many miracles happened in the Beit HaMikdash.

Among them was a heavenly fire that came down on the altar and burned the sacrifices.

This showed HaShem's acceptance of the service. Even though a divine fire appeared, the priests are commanded to light a man-made fire.

HaShem does not want us to rely on miracles.

Rather, we must do our part and perform the natural actions.

We will "light the flame" and HaShem will "keep it burning." (See also Negative Mitzvah 81).

It was very late one night, when Shimi and his father passed by the neighborhood synagogue.

Inside, Shimi saw a faint, reddish light glowing.

"Daddy, why is there a light on inside?" Shimi asked. "Nobody is in the synagogue, and even if someone were there, that would not be enough light to see by."

"That's a special light," his father answered. "It's not there to give light, Shimi.

"You see, in the Beit HaMikdash, the priests were commanded to light a fire on the altar every morning and evening. Even though G-d sent down heavenly fire to consume the sacrifices, he wanted us to light a fire every day.

"That special light in the Synagogue is called a 'Ner Tamid', which means 'an everlasting light.' It reminds us that a synagogue is like a tiny Beit HaMikdash and that our prayers, which replace sacrifices, are always welcome, because like sacrifices they bring us closer to HaShem."

This Negative Mitzvah prohibits us from extinguishing the fire on the Altar, (see Positive Mitzvah 29.)

We all like to have a house that is neat and clean.

The priests are obligated to make sure that the Beit HaMikdash is kept tidy.

Many sacrifices were offered every day and mounds of ashes would collect.

This Positive Mitzvah commands the priests to remove these ashes from the altar.