Tzav
Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36
God instructs Moses in the detailed procedures for the priests regarding the burnt, meal, sin, guilt, and peace offerings, including the perpetual fire on the altar and the priestly portions. The parasha then narrates the seven-day consecration ceremony of Aaron and his sons, during which Moses anoints them with oil and blood, invests them with the priestly garments, and offers the ram of ordination. This inauguration transforms the tabernacle from a completed structure into a functioning house of worship.
Key figures
- Moses — Performs the consecration of Aaron and his sons as commanded by God
- Aaron — Anointed as High Priest and consecrated for seven days
- Aaron's sons (Nadav, Avihu, Elazar, Itamar) — Consecrated alongside their father to serve as priests
Famous verses
- 6:6 Fire shall be kept burning upon the altar continually; it shall not go out.
- 8:36 And Aaron and his sons did all the things which Hashem commanded by the hand of Moses.
Haftarah: {'ref': 'Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23', 'connection': "Jeremiah challenges Israel's reliance on sacrifices alone, declaring that God desires obedience over offerings — a corrective to the detailed ritual law of Tzav."}
Total gematria: 357,561.