IN A NUTSHELL
Parashat Tzav continues the laws of sacrifices that we began to learn about in the last parasha, but this time we learn about the requirements of the kohanim who will be the ones actually performing the rituals.
The laws of the burnt and grain offerings, sin and guilt offerings, and peace offerings, are all discussed, and each one has special details of how to bring the offering. Then we learn how Aharon (the kohen gadol) and his sons will be initiated into their roles as priests. Finally, the opening ceremony of the service of the Mishkan (the portable Temple) is described.
QUESTION TO PONDER
The root of the word for sacrifice (korban) means “to come close.” How do you think bringing God a sacrifice brings us closer to Him?