As previously explained, the book of Vayikra (Leviticus) details the sacrificial system as practiced by ancient Israel. Each sacrifice corresponded to an experience in the life of the community (individually or collectively). Some sacrifices were expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving; others were offered as a response to personal or communal indiscretions. The people on whose behalf the Priests made the sacrifices made their offering with body and soul; beyond mere words. While the sacrificial system was replaced by modern prayer, the ancient rituals remind us of a way of life filled with passion and spirit.

1. A Manual for Priests: In the first portion of Leviticus, the Torah detailed the various sacrifices so that the people would understand the rituals. In Tzav, the second portion of Leviticus, the Torah presents a "manual" for the Priests, describing how the Priests were to perform their duties in offering the sacrifices on behalf of the people.

Sacrifices described include:

The Olah (Burnt offering) — A daily offering which eventually became identified as a communal offering made on behalf of the entire nation.

The Minha (Meal offering) — An offering which included a specific sacrifice brought by the Priest on behalf of the entire priesthood.

The Shlamim (Peace/Thanksgiving offering) — Brought in gratitude for recovering from illness, in gratitude for escaping from danger, or as a spontaneous expression of thanksgiving. This last series of offerings is the focus of our triennial reading today.

2. Consecration of the Priests: The rest of Tzav details the actual implementation of the ritual/sacrificial system. Aaron and his family are officially "installed" as the religious leaders of the community. A ritual ceremony marks the official beginning of the cult.

Thoughts About Our Triennial Reading:

• A thanksgiving offering is individualistic; this offering will vary from person to person. One Israelite might make an offer in gratitude for recovering from an illness. Another might make an offer in gratitude for a newborn child or for a beautiful, sunny day. Even if the actual offering is standard for everyone; the intention and the motivation behind the offering is not. In past years our family observed the Thanksgiving family tradition of going around the table and offering a reason for being thankful.

We represent different ages, generations and stages in life; each of us therefore necessarily expresses thanksgiving for something unique to our individual lives. I would suggest that in the course of a day, most of us focus on all the challenges, hardships and obstacles before us. The positives get pushed into the background and are dismissed. It is important for us to always cherish the good in our lives. Such was a purpose for the Shlamim offering.

• Aside from the required offerings, Israelites would also bring discretionary/volunteer offerings when the occasion arose. Again, the Torah suggests that despite all the regulations and proscriptions in the Torah; there must be room for individual expression.

Even if community norms become sacrosanct, individual choice and behavior must also be an integral part of our lives. We function as a community but should never dismiss the need for individual character. Unfortunately, too often in Judaism today, we hold our individual rights as sacrosanct and eschew the need for community affiliations. Judaism advocates for the rights of the individual; but always within the framework of community living.

Maftir, Numbers 19:1-22 (pages 880-883)

This Shabbat represents the third of four special Sabbaths prior to Passover. From a Second Torah, we read a selection from the portion of Hakkat (Chapter 19 from the Book of B'midbar/Numbers.) The chapter details the Parah Adumah, the Red Heifer sacrifice offered by one who comes into contact with the dead. The ritual here is quite enigmatic; many scholars are puzzled as to why we read about the heifer as a special reading. There is no adequate explanation other than to say: Just as the Red Heifer ritual demonstrates the faith of a people (who embrace a tradition simply because God commands); Passover is a holiday which demonstrates the loyalty of the Jewish people toward our faith.

Haftorah for Shabbat Parah, Ezekiel 36:16-38 (pages 1287-1289)

Our special Haftorah, from Ezekiel, describes how Israel will emerge from exile and live a sanctified life in a rebuilt Jerusalem. In his message, Ezekiel exclaims (in God's name),

And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean.
A new heart I will give you and a new spirit I will put within you...

These words, recited today by new Jews by Choice as they immerse in a mikveh (ritual bath), reassure the people that with a new, healthy outlook on a national life in Israel, the future will be bright.