Tzav Summaries
Tzav 5770-2010"The Command ?" Only with respect to the Olah, the burnt offering, does the Torah use the term “Tzav,” command, rather than “say” or “speak.” What is it about the burnt offering and the priests’ relationship to it that requires the priests to be commanded to do this particular service properly and expeditiously? link to full |
Tzav 5769-2009"Judaism’s Upbeat View of the Past" The very first service of the day that the Kohen performed was known as Terumat Hadeshen, the lifting of the ashes. Rabbi Hirsch sees it not as the first act of the service of the new day, but rather as the final act of the preceding day’s service. This optimistic interpretation underscores Judaism’s singularly positive attitude toward life. Yesterday’s frustrations, mistakes, errors and sins are not something to be erased from our consciousness, but rather something to be seen as a way station in our perpetual growth, in our never-ending effort at self-improvement. |
Tzav 5768-2008 The Torah teaches that in addition to lifting up a scoop of ashes and placing them near the altar, the priest must remove the accumulated ashes from the altar and bring them outside the camp to a pure place. The Beit Yaakov interprets this as a metaphor never to give up hope on any Jew. Even though the embers seem to be dying, we must enable them to glow again by placing them in a pure place. |
Tzav 5767-2007"Karayt --The Dreaded Heavenly Punishment" |
Tzav 5766-2006"Zevach Sh'lamim --Learning to Celebrate Life"
Among the varied sacrifices that the ancient Israelites offered, one of the most intriguing was the Zevach Sh'lamim , the Peace offering, that includes the thanksgiving offering. Our sages teach that the thanksgiving offering will never cease, and that the prayers of thanksgiving will never be discontinued. It is the duty of all of humankind to learn how to properly celebrate life, so that we may sufficiently appreciate what we have, and with profound gratitude express how truly great the gifts of our lives are. Link to full |
Tzav 5765-2005 "Do Sacrifices Have Any Relevance for Us Today?" |
Tzav 5764-2004"Making the Menial Hallowed and Mundane Holy "
Examining the priestly service, we find something rather perplexing: the holy Cohanim who are engaged in honorable rites with much pomp and circumstance, begin the holy service with a decidedly menial duty each morning. The first service of the day involves removing and transferring the day-old waste of yesterday's ashes. This act not only serves to keep a priest's ego in check, it also teaches a valuable lesson about how truly important the "small stuff" really is. Link to full |
Tzav 5763-2003 How does Judaism justify its seemingly discriminatory communal structure of Kohanim-Priests, Leviim-Levites and Israelites? |
Tzav 5762-2002 Our commentators offer a host of reasons to explain why the Sabbath prior to Passover is called by the grand name “Shabbat Hagadol,” the Great Sabbath. Whatever the reason for this Sabbath to be given such a distinguished name, it is always a very special Sabbath for the Jewish people. |
Tzav 5761-2001 The prophet Malachi predicts that toward the end of days, Elijah will come and there will be a momentous movement of return to Judaism. At this fateful hour, parents and children will interact with each other and will be drawn closer to each other through the word of G-d. That time may be now! |
Tzav 5760-2000 Jewish tradition looks upon those who seek to destroy the Jewish people as the heirs of the ancient Amalekites, the fierce nation that was the first to attack the people of Israel, especially the elderly, weak and the young after the exodus from Egypt. While remembering Amalek is important, rebuilding and guaranteeing the Jewish future is far more important. |