Tzav

וידבר ה’ אל משה לאמר: צו את אהרון

And the Lord spoke to Moses saying “Command Aharon”

We start this weeks Torah portion of Tzav with yet another example of the younger sibling being chosen over the elder.

This has been a recurring theme in the Torah withJacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, and now again with Moses and Aharon. It’s interesting because in biblical times, chronological hierarchy was deeply ingrained in every day life. Even in the not too distant past and indeed in some countries, duchies etc are all awarded based upon the birth order. We don’t have to look beyond the Queen of England to see that being the eldest, confers privilege.

Any yet here, in Tzav, Moses is clearly directed by G-d to command his older brother even whilst the Torah portion itself goes on to confer the rights of High Priest (Cohen Gadol) on Aharon.

When we look at Aharon’s history, it becomes easier to understand. In Ki Tisa, with the building of the Golden Calf, Aharon held much of the responsibility for the Children of Israel dedicating an idol. Even if we don’t attribute the blame to Aharon, where did he say stop?

The answer is, that he didn’t. In truth, he was himself, the instigator.

ויאמר אלהם אהרן פרקו נזמי הזהב אשר באזני נשיכם, בניכם ובנותיכם והביאו אלי.

And Aharon said to them Break off the golden rings which are in the ears of your wives, your sons and your daughters and bring them to me.

Considering this transgression, it is actually astonishing that Aharon wasn’t punished and indeed became the High Priest representing the Children of Israel in the Mishkan, the holy Tabernacle.

It makes sense that Moses is chosen by G-d to be teacher in their sibling relationship.

Just as the laws of sacrifice are further explained in Tzav, we learn that the wealthy have an obligation to give their best whilst the poor and needy were able to simply sacrifice some grain.

So too, we can understand that G-d is righteous and understanding and we all get what we need based on our individual situations and not our wealth, or the order of our birth.

Although this week is Shabbat Hagadol and so there is a special haftorah reading chanted, the regular haftorah for Tzav says:

אני ה׳ עושה חסד משפט וצדקה בארץ כי באלה חפצתי נעום ה׳.

I am the G-d of kindness, justice and generosity in this earth for in these things I delight.

Shabbat Shalom.