Tzav (Give an Order) Vayikra (Lev) 6

Torah Portion: Tzav(Give an Order)

Vayikra (Leviticus) 6:1-8:36

HafTorah: Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23

New Testament: Mark 12:28-34; Romans 12:1-2; I Cor. 10:14-23

Tonight we look at the second Torah section from Leviticus. It begins with the word Tzav or command. Here Moses relates G-d’s commands for the various sacrifices starting with the Tamid offering. This word Tamid means always or continuously. This burnt offering was given every morning and evening, every day. What did we learn last week about a burnt offering? It was completely consumed on the altar. Nothing was kept for use by the person or the priest. It was completely given to G-d. So what was the purpose of doing this every day, morning and evening as a national offering? It was an earthly way of showing that Israel, as a nation, was to be completely given over to G-d’s will and use every day all day.

Vayikra (He Called )Lev. 1

Torah Portion: Vayikra(He called)

Vayikra (Leviticus) 1:1-5:26

HafTorah: Isaiah 43:21-44:23

New Testament: Romans 8:1-13; Hebrews 10:1-14; 13:10-16

Tonight we begin the third book of the Torah. It is the first book that Jewish children study in religious school. It is basically a call to enter the Presence of G-d, and so it should be. I think it appropriate that we start this study on the first day of Aviv. This month begins the cycle of G-d’s appointed times. Aviv is representative of our own beginning as G-d’s called ones in redemption.