In Tzav (“Command”), God tells Moses about the sacrifices offered in the Tabernacle (portable sanctuary), including a meal offering brought by the high priest, guilt offerings, and offerings of thanks. Moses initiates Aaron and Aaron’s sons for priestly service in the Tabernacle.
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The Perpetual Fire of the AltarTANAKH
The Perpetual Fire of the Altar
TANAKH
The burnt offering is left on the altar all night, and its remains are cleared in the morning. Parashat Tzav opens by discussing this procedure and the perpetual fire that is to burn on the altar.
The Inauguration of the PriesthoodTANAKH
The Inauguration of the Priesthood
TANAKH
God commanded Aaron and his sons to be consecrated before serving as priests in the Tabernacle. Parashat Tzav, in the book of Leviticus, details this consecration ritual.
Rituals and RighteousnessMIDRASH
Rituals and Righteousness
MIDRASH
Immediately before Parashat Tzav opens with a discussion of the burnt offering, the Torah discusses cases of theft and dishonesty and the requirements to return stolen items and make amends. Midrash Tanchuma, a medieval collection of midrash, understands this juxtaposition as highlighting the important connection between ritual performance and ethical conduct.
The Personal Gift of Peace-OfferingsCOMMENTARY
The Personal Gift of Peace-Offerings
COMMENTARY
Peace offerings are distinct from the different types of sin offerings in that they are brought directly by the one offering them to God. Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz, a 17th-century chief rabbi of Prague, delves into the reasons for this distinction in his Torah commentary.
A Gift to the King's MinisterCOMMENTARY
A Gift to the King's Minister
COMMENTARY
Parts of the peace offering are given to the priests to eat. Sforno's 16th-century commentary on Leviticus draws a parallel between this practice and royal court practices.
The Miraculous Anointing OilMIDRASH
The Miraculous Anointing Oil
MIDRASH
The anointing oil used by Moses in the desert was so miraculous that a small amount sufficed for countless anointments. The Sifra, an ancient midrash on the book of Leviticus, explores the divine nature of the anointing oil and its role in sanctifying leaders and sacred objects.
Unyielding Flame of FaithCHASIDUT
Unyielding Flame of Faith
CHASIDUT
Parashat Tzav describes the perpetual fire of the altar and removal of the ashes for the daily burnt offering. Rebbe Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger, a Chasidic leader known for his Torah commentary, Sefat Emet, connects these rituals to one's daily spiritual life.
The Ethical Implications of Consuming BloodHALAKHAH
The Ethical Implications of Consuming Blood
HALAKHAH
Parashat Tzav prohibits eating blood. Sefer HaChinukh, the 13th-century enumeration and explanation of each biblical commandment, explores the philosophical and ethical reasoning behind the prohibition of consuming blood.
The Spiritual Power of StudyTALMUD
The Spiritual Power of Study
TALMUD
In talmudic times, the Temple no longer stood and no sacrifices were being offered. Reish Lakish, in the Babylonian Talmud, discusses the continued significance of studying the laws of sacrifices in times when they are not practiced.