For the source text click/tap here: Zevachim 7
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There are four circumstances that generate a need for one to offer a Todah offering. The four circumstances are:
1. Travelling by sea,
2. Travelling through the desert,
3. Recovering from illness and
4. Being released from prison.
Rav Shmuel HaLevi Wosner (1), author of Teshuvas Shevet HaLevi, was asked whether a person who experiences a miracle is obligated to offer a Korban Todah or perhaps it is only a voluntary korban.
Rashi (2) in his commentary to the Torah uses language which indicates that one is obligated to bring a Korban Todah when he emerges from one of these four experiences.
Pri Megadim, however, asserts that when Rashi uses the term “obligatory” he meant that it is Rabbinically mandatory. Biblically it is appropriate for one to offer a Todah offering following these four incidents but it is not mandatory.
We explore the notion of gratitude.