Tzav (Leviticus 6:1 – 8:36)

The portion is named Tzav, literally “command”, because it begins with God telling Moses to command Aaron and his sons how the burnt offering, the Ola, is to be offered.

The portion begins with the laws of how the priests should bring many different kinds of offerings before God. The detailed commandments include how the priests must be dressed when bringing them, how they are burned, what is done with the leftovers (often given to the priests), and the punishment for different transgressions that may occur when bringing the offerings.

The portion then gives a detailed description of how the priests themselves are to prepare for the dedication of the Tabernacle, beginning with dressing and anointing them with oil, and then elaborating on the different offerings that are to be brought as part of their dedication. The priests must remain in the Tabernacle for one week, prior to the dedication of the Tabernacle itself.