Mar 28, 2024
Tzav | What is Torat Ha-Olah? by Rav Yitzchak Etshalom
Why doesn't the opening section of Parashat Tzav actually talk about the korban ha-olah - even though it's titled zot torat ha-olah?
The first seven chapters of Vayikra are devoted to detailed instructions regarding the various קרבנות; the first five, which make up פרשת ויקרא, present nearly all of the offerings from the perspective of the donor, whereas the next two, which make up over half of פרשת צו, address the same range of קרבנות from the vantage point of the כהנים - the officiants. The opening פרשה in צו is titled "תורת העולה" yet it doesn't provide any further details about the קרבן העולה - but the subsequent פרשות all do present numerous details about the מנחה, about the חטאת etc. We explore the unique role of the קרבן עולה and its vital role in the ongoing sanctification of the altar as well as the continuous presence of השם in the משכן.