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Shabbat Ha-Gadol

Tzav

Leviticus 6:1-8:36

Malachi 3:4-24

Regular HAFTORAH reading would be Jer.7:21-8:3; Jer.9:22-24; 

if not for the Shabbat Ha-Gadol reading before Passover.

Hebrews 7:23-8:6

This week we are told of the duties of Aaron and his sons in regards to the offerings.  The fire must burn continuously on the altar.

The Priests are to eat of the Sin and Guilt offerings as well as of the Meal/Grain offering.  The Peace offering is to be consumed by the one bringing the offering except for a portion to be given to the Priests.  The Meat offering is to be consumed by persons who are ritually pure.

Finally, Aaron and his sons are inaugurated into the Priesthood during seven days of inauguration.

This week, G-d continues to instruct Moses regarding the offerings, korban:

1) Olah, ascending offering-a free will offering to be consumed by fire on the Altar.

2) Minchah, meaning “gift”-meal offering-a free will offering of flour, usually by a person of modest means.

3) Shelamim, peace offering-a free will offering that is eaten by the one bringing the offering. It is given as way of expressing thanks to G-d on joyous occasions. Part of the offering is given to the Priests.

4) Chatat, sin offering-required offering for sins committed unintentionally.

5) Asham, guilt offering- required offering as part of sins committed overtly as well improperly; mostly against others.

Notice that the Chatat and Asham as well as the Olah offerings are put on the Altar on the North side of the Mishkan, Temple.

Shabbat Ha-Gadol is the Sabbath before the Passover. On this day the sages say that the Jewish people were to take a lamb to their homes to be offered up as an offering on the 14th of the month of Nissan.  The people trusted G-d and did what was asked of them by G-d thru Moses.

The HAFTORAH this Shabbat taken from Malachi 3:4-24.  Here too, the people are asked to trust in G-d. This portion includes the challenge to give the tithes to the store houses.  It ends with a call to remember the teaching of Moses and that soon the prophet Elijah would herald the great and awesome Day of the Lord.

As we see the time coming closer by the events of the day’ we are commanded to trust G-d; be ready and have your lamps full of oil when the Bridegroom shall come suddenly awaking the world of its sleep.

Therefore, watch!  For you know not the day, nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Math. 25:13 ).

Have a wonderful and Kosher Passover.

Hag Sameach and SHAVUA TOV

Rabbi Z. 

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