Parashat Tzav 5785

by Rabbi Margie Cella

This week’s parashah continues the description of the different types of sacrifices, defining seven in all. In the last chapter we read of the initiation of Aaron and his sons as priests. The entire nation is called to the tabernacle to witness the event. At God’s command, Moses washed the men, then dressed them in their priestly garments, beginning with his brother, the first Kohen Gadol, high priest, of the nation, then moving on to dress his nephews as well. Finally, he anointed each of their heads with oil.

The final step was to offer a bull and two rams as a burnt offering. Each of the newly anointed priests placed his hands on the animal’s head, acknowledging that he needed to atone for his own sins before taking on the responsibility of atoning for others.

Moses led the new priests through every step of the process. We might wonder what was going through his mind as he did so. Perhaps he thought that he should have been chosen for high priest instead of Aaron. After all, he was the one who had led the nation out of Egypt, while Aaron was the one who had led the nation in a hideous act of idolatry by building the Golden Calf.

There does not seem to be any evidence, however, of jealousy on Moses’ part. The rivalry that had existed between brothers in every generation from Cain and Abel through Joseph and his brothers seems to have vanished with Moses and Aaron. Each was given his own important role to play for the nation, and theirs was a successful partnership. We are strong when we can work together, each fulfilling our designated roles, and helping others around us to fulfill theirs.

Am Yisrael Chai! All people of Israel Live!