Parasha Tzav (Leviticus 6:1–8:36)

Parasha Tzav ("Command") continues the discussion of the korbanot (offerings) from Parasha Vayikra, but this time, the focus is on the priests (Kohanim) and their responsibilities in performing the sacrificial services.

This week’s parashah focuses on G-d’s commands to Aaron and his sons regarding the Korbanot (offerings). The priests are instructed to keep the fire on the Altar burning at all times. The portion details the regulations for the grain offering, sin offering, and peace offering. Additionally, G-d commands that the fat offered as a special gift to the L-rdand the blood of any animal must never be consumed.

Anyone who violates this command will be cut off from the community.

G-d also designates a portion of the offerings as an eternal provision for Aaron and his descendants. The priests are to eat specific parts of the sin and guilt offerings, as well as the remaining portions of the grain offerings and the dedicated portion of the peace offering. The breast and right thigh of the peace offering are set aside specifically for the Kohanim (priests).

The remainder of the parashah describes the ordination of Aaron and his sons. G-d instructs Moshe to bring Aaron and his sons, their sacred garments, anointing oil, a bull for the sin offering, two rams, and unleavened bread, and to assemble the entire community of Israel at the entrance of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Moshe then washes Aaron and his sons, dresses them in their priestly garments, and anoints the Mishkan and all its furnishings with oil. After this, he offers the sin offering before the L-rd.

At the conclusion of the ordination ceremony, Aaron and his sons must remain at the entrance of the Mishkan for seven days, following every instruction G-d has given. If they fail to do so, they will die. In complete obedience, Aaron and his sons carry out all that G-d commands through Moshe.

1. The Role of the Kohanim in the Sacrificial Service

• Unlike Parasha Vayikra, where the focus was on how the Israelites bring sacrifices, Parasha Tzav details how the Kohanim must handle them.

• G-d commands Aaron and his sons on the daily procedures of the sacrificial system.

2. Key Offerings Explained

• Olah (Burnt Offering) – Stays on the altar all night, with its ashes removed each morning by the priest.

• Minchah (Grain Offering) – A portion is burned on the altar, and the rest is eaten by the priests.

• Chatat (Sin Offering) & Asham (Guilt Offering) – Certain portions are burned, while the remainder is eaten by the priests.

• Shelamim (Peace Offering) – A thanksgiving offering that must be eaten within a specific time frame to maintain holiness.

3. The Law of the Ever-Burning Fire

• The altar fire must never be extinguished, symbolizing constant devotion to G-d.

• This represents the continuous connection between G-d and Israel, as the sacrificial system is a means of drawing close to Him.

4. The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons

• The parasha concludes with the seven-day inauguration of the Kohanim, led by Moshe.

• Moshe anoints Aaron, his sons, and the Mishkan, preparing them for their priestly duties.

• The priests must remain in the Mishkan for seven days as part of their sanctification process.

Haftarah for Parasha Tzav (Jeremiah 7:21–8:3, 9:22–23)

The Haftarah for Tzav comes from the Book of Jeremiah, in which the prophet rebukes the people of Judah for relying on sacrifices while neglecting true devotion to G-d. The people follow their own counsel and the stubbornness of their evil hearts, committing even greater sins than their ancestors—those whom G-d had brought out of Egypt. They have built altars on high places to worship their idols and have even burned their sons and daughters in fire as offerings.

G-d declares that the days are coming when the voices of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, will cease from the land. In their rebellion, the remnant of this wicked generation will choose death over life, for they have turned away from G-d, pursuing idols and false gods.

1. The People’s Misplaced Trust in Sacrifices (Jeremiah 7:21–28)

• Jeremiah challenges the Israelites who believe that bringing offerings is enough to earn G-d’s favor.

• He reminds them that G-d’s original command was not about sacrifices alone, but about obedience to His voice:"I did not command your ancestors about burnt offerings, but I said: ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your G-d.’"

• The people, however, turned their backs on G-d, following their own stubborn desires.

2. The Consequences of Disobedience (Jeremiah 7:29–8:3)

• G-d declares that because the people have forsaken Him, Jerusalem will face destruction.

• The Valley of Ben Hinnom will be renamed the Valley of Slaughter, where the unfaithful will face judgment.

3. True Wisdom Comes from Knowing G-d (Jeremiah 9:22–23)

• The Haftarah ends with a powerful message:"Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the mighty man in his might, nor the rich man in his riches. But let him boast in this: that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who practices kindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth."

• This highlights that knowing G-d and living righteously is more important than external rituals.

Connection Between the Parasha and Haftarah

• Tzav focuses on the priestly role in sacrifices, while Jeremiah warns against relying on sacrifices without true obedience.

• The altar’s eternal fire in the Torah portion represents devotion, but the Haftarah reminds us that external rituals mean nothing without a sincere heart.

• Both passages emphasize that G-d desires righteousness and a deep relationship with His people more than mere religious formalities.

Conclusion

Parasha Tzav teaches about the proper procedures for offerings, while the Haftarah warns against empty ritualism. Together, they stress that true worship is not just about external sacrifices, but about listening to G-d, following His ways, and cultivating a relationship with Him.