After offering the incense, the designated Kohanim would take the limbs of the Korban Tamid and cast them onto the fire of the primary pyre on the Mizbeach.
The Korban Tamid was an Olah – where the entire animal was burned on the Mizbeach. This is in contrast to a Chatas or Shelamim offering, where only parts of the Korban were burned on the Mizbeach and rest would be eaten by the Kohanim and/or the owners who brought the Korban.
The offerings which were not completely burned represent a yearning for G-dliness that is tinged with a sense of self and our personal spiritual aspirations, such as the desire for personal understanding of G-dliness or the spiritual rewards of Gan Eden.
Since one does not completely transcend their sense of self, one’s devotion will be limited and a degree of separation will remain. Like the Chatas which is not completely burned, this Avodah will not be able to completely burn away the negative desires and thoughts of our animalistic self, which can re-emerge at a later time.
The Olah which is completely consumed, represents a complete surrender to Hashem and His will. This is a total and selfless surrender (Bittul) to Hashem, where one does not seek spiritual reward or fulfilment, delight or understanding. The self does not matter. All that matters is Hashem.
This love is encapsulated in the verse “Whom else do I have in heaven and having You I want no one on earth.” These fires completely burn away our negative thoughts and desires.
Olah means to rise up and Tamid means constantly. When we retain a sense of self in our service of Hashem, we may have our ups of spiritual successes. But we are still liable to fall. But with absolute surrender that comes from the essence of the soul, we will be an Olas Tamid – a constant state of elevation.
~ Based on Or Hatorah Acharei and Pinchas
