Tzav Commentary

Parashat Tzav: Bread in Abundance

Why does the Torah require that a gratitude offering be accompanied by loads of bread?

The Eternal Light

The sacrifices teach us about constancy in relating to God.

Challenging Isolation

Too much isolation set Nadav and Avihu over the edge.

Revisiting the Fire Offerings of Israel

Modern commentary and interpretation may ease some discomfort surrounding ancient liturgy.

Tzav

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Kosher For Passover And All Year Round

The prohibition against leavened bread for most Temple grain offerings imbues the Temple with the spirit of freedom all year round.

Lost and Found: From Obsolete Ritual to Personal Responsibility

The complex rules of thanksgiving offering ensured that it enabled the public participation of the broader community in thanking God.

Parashat Tzav: Summary

God tells Moses to describe the rituals for some of the offerings to the priests; the priests then undergo the process of ordination.

Tending Flames, Seeing Faces

Like the fire that always burned on the altar, we should make sure that our inner fires of compassion always inspire us to work for justice.

The Obligation To Give Thanks

The thanksgiving offering teaches us the importance of thanking God as a communal sharing of faith and appreciation.