Parshat Tzav

This week’s Torah portion, Tzav, commences with a conversation between Hashem and Moshe. Hashem tells Moshe to command (tzav) Aharon and his sons with the following laws. Rashi explains that the word tzav has great power, that its command is enacted at once and persists eternally.

What command was so special that this immensely powerful word was used to introduce it? The next law references the Korban Olah, where the entire offering went up to Hashem. However, it only takes up one verse, and the next one mentions the method in which the Kohanim would clean the ashes.

The juxtaposition of the two commands seems strange. Why would one of the holiest offerings be mentioned in conjunction with such a menial task? Rabbeinu Yonah explains that what may seem to be insignificant work in human eyes is considered greatly by Hashem. The seemingly minuscule acts that we do in our day-to-day lives are just as holy.

Shabbat Shalom!

By: Jack Benveniste-Plitt (11th Grade)