Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Tzav צו
Leviticus (Wajikra) · Leviticus 6:1-8:36
„Command"
Summary
The portion begins with the laws of the burnt offering, focusing on the perpetual fire that must be kept burning on the altar at all times without going out.
It details the various sacrificial offerings, including the grain, sin, and guilt offerings, specifying which parts are consumed by fire and which are eaten by the Kohanim.
The final section describes the seven-day inauguration ceremony of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), where Moses anoints Aaron and his sons to begin their service as priests.
People
Moses
The leader who performed the consecration rites for the new priesthood.
Aaron
The first High Priest who was anointed to lead the Tabernacle service.
Eleazar
One of the sons of Aaron who was initiated into the priesthood.
Ithamar
The youngest son of Aaron who served alongside his brothers in the Sanctuary.
Nadab
An elder son of Aaron who participated in the inauguration period.
Abihu
A son of Aaron who was among those sanctified for the divine service.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
The Altar Fire · 6:6
A fire must be kept burning continuously on the Outer Altar and never be extinguished.
Removal of Ashes · 6:3
The priest must remove the consumed ashes from the altar every morning while wearing specific linen garments.
Eating the Mincha · 6:9
The remnants of the grain offering must be eaten as unleavened bread by the male Kohanim in a holy place.
The Thanksgiving Offering · 7:12
A person bringing a Todah (thanksgiving) sacrifice must accompany it with specific types of leavened and unleavened loaves.
Prohibition of Fat and Blood · 7:23-26
It is strictly forbidden for Jews to consume certain animal fats (chelev) or any animal blood.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. What must remain burning on the altar at all times?
2. Which of these is NOT allowed to be consumed by a Jewish person according to this portion?
3. Who performed the inauguration service for the Tabernacle?
4. How long did the inauguration ceremony for the Priests last?