Shabbat comes in 6.07pm: goes out 7.11pm
The laws in the first five chapters of Leviticus were intended for the individual bringing the sacrifice. Parashat Tzav, on the other hand, is a manual for the priests who offer those sacrifices, and this aliyah instructions concerning the burnt-offering are given.
The burnt-offering is one of the only sacrifice where none of the parts of the animal are given to the priests to eat. The burnt offering is completely burnt on the altar; hence the name.
The Torah notes that every morning the priests were required to remove the ashes from the previous day’s sacrifices. They had to take out the “garbage.” Many commentators have pointed out that the priests, not the commoners, have this obligation so that they are less likely to let their status go to their head. So next time there is clean up to be done, don’t hesitate to give the rabbi a broom.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Paul Arberman
