Parshat Tzav (Command)

The Torah portion is Tzav, Leviticus 6:1-8:36. In synagogues using the Triennial system, 5781 is year 2 and the Torah reading is Leviticus 7:11 -7:38.

This parshah has more details about specific offerings and the procedures to follow for offering them. It speaks of most of these offerings being eaten by the priests or even by the person who offers them. It prohibits the eating of cheilev, usually translated as "fat," but it is a kind of fat that is easy to remove and hard to digest. It also commands that blood not be eaten, and kosher meat is known for being drained and salted to remove the blood. The priests are publicly clothed and anointed and offerings are made for them.

The haftarah is for Shabbat Ha-Gadol, Malachi 3:4-24. As with many of the Prophets, Malachi tells the people that they have sinned, but promises reward if they return. He foretells the return of Elijah on "the great" (ha-gadol) day. Elijah is traditionally a guest at the Passover seder.