When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week we read from Parashat Tzav (צַו), the 25th weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings as well as the second reading from the Book of Leviticus (6:1 to 8:36).
According to Wikipedia, Tzav (צַו), contains 5,096 Hebrew letters, 1,353 words, 97 verses and makes up 170 lines of a Torah scroll. Tzav contains details about how the priests performed the ritual sacrifices and describes the ordination of Aaron and his sons.
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Tzav for Shabbat, April 12, 2025 aka 14 Nisan 5785:
“Why is this particular Shabbat referred to as “the great Shabbat”? Our sages teach that right before the beginning of this last Shabbat in Egypt, the Jews brought the paschal lambs into their homes for the future Passover sacrifice. When the Egyptians saw this and inquired as to why, they were enraged that the Jews were preparing to sacrifice an animal that was an Egyptian deity ,but were powerless to prevent it. According to Midrash, many Egyptians went to war against Pharaoh’s army and thus many of Pharaoh’s generals were killed. This represents one of many miracles performed by G-d as we were preparing for our redemption.
In this week’s Torah portion, Tzav, there is another interesting Midrash which relates that when Moses was given the commandment to build a Sanctuary for Hashem he trembled and said, “How can mortals build a sanctuary that is able to contain your presence since your Shechina inhabits the entire universe?” Hashem answered Moses that the Jewish people only build a sanctuary for G-d’s presence with each person contributing according to their own ability. Thus, each person was to bring only what they could willingly sacrifice. The poor person brought according to their means and the rich person according to their means. In the case of the Paschal Lamb for the Passover sacrifice each family brought in one lamb per household to symbolize that the gift of freedom was given by G-d equally to all who followed the Laws of Passover.
This shows that the sacrifice which was prepared before Shabbat Hagadol were accepted by G-d which and was accepted equally from rich and poor alike by those who acknowledged G-d’s supreme power and might in overcoming the oppression of Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
As we prepare for the Holiday of Passover, may our offerings by given wholeheartedly and accepted by G-d in the spirit in which they are given. May our hostages be returned to their families and Israel overcome all those who seek to oppress us throughout the world. A Zissen Pesach to all! May this Shabbat Hagadol indeed be a Great Sabbath for Jews everywhere!!“
Questions for Thought:
- The Sedra mentions the use of Shittim wood for the building of the Mishkan. Where did this come from since there were no such trees in the desert?
- How many Avnei Shoham were there? What did they symbolize?
- How many branches, cups, knobs, and flowers did the Menorah contain? What does this number symbolize?
- Why was the Korban Chatat (sin offering) performed in the same location as the Korban Olah (burnt offering)? (hint: think of why the prayer “Al Cheit” is written in the “our” form)
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his smicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
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