Well, we have been living with Covid for over a year now. For the second year in a row, the Passover Seder will look remarkably similar to the prior year but unlike any other year that me, my children, or even my parents can remember. However, there is something different than last year. This year we watch the news and follow the science and eagerly await the opportunity to receive our vaccine. The vaccine reminds us of the importance that society requires experts. Often, listening to the experts, the epidemiologists, the virologists, the public health experts, has been the difference between life and death. It seems kind of obvious, and it is the advice that we give our children. When unsure of something, get information from someone who knows. Who is someone that knows? Normally we assume that an expert knows or at least knows whatever their expertise is in. If a person has a question about personal finance or needs an accountant, one doesn’t speak to a doctor. If one has a medical question or needs a doctor, that person doesn’t see a lawyer. When a person has a halachic question or needs to speak to a Rabbi, well the person should probably not seek an answer from a lawyer, a doctor, an accountant or a businessman, or someone who happens to attend shul regularly. We have been taught to seek out experts.
This week’s Parsha is Tzav. It is also Shabbat HaGadol, the Shabbat that immediately precedes Chag HaPesach, the Passover Festival. Like last week’s Parsha, Parsha Tzav focuses upon KoRBonot (offerings). While last week, we read of God’s commanding Moshe to teach the laws of KoRBonot (offerings) to B’nei Yisroel; this week we read of God commanding Moshe to teach the laws of KoRBonot (offerings) to Aaron and his sons. The Parsha concludes with instructions for Aaron and his sons to remain outside the camp for seven days. These are the seven days required for spiritual and to some degree physical preparation and process required to become an expert. The Priests must remain outside of the camp because they are in the process of purifying themselves for this extremely sacred and vital position, Kohen Gadol.
Besides Moshe, the Kohen Gadol was the most vital role in Israelite society. It was the Kohen Gadol that served as a vehicle for the common person to draw closer to God. When the common person or the king needed to atone, they would bring an offering to God. However, it was the Priest that had to check for blemishes, It was the priest that had to slaughter the animal in a very precise way. It was the priest that had to sprinkle the correct amount of blood in the correct manner. Later on, it was the priest who became the “spiritual advisor” to the king. Unlike any other position, the Priesthood was based upon two requirements: genealogical lineage and training. The position was promised by God to Aaron and his descendants for eternity (or as long as there was a Temple). The focus of the Parsha is entirely upon Aaron and his sons. Tzav et Aharon V’ Et Banav Leimor Zot Torah Ha’Olah Hee - Command Aaron and his sons saying: This is the law of the elevation offering (6:1-2); Zot Torat HaMacheneh Harkreiv Otah Bnei Aharon Lifnei Hashe el Pnei HaMizbeach - this is the law of the meal offering: the sons of Aaron shall bring it before Hashem to the front of the Altar. Lev. 6:7. Zeh Korbon Aharon U’Vanav Asher Yakrivu La’Adoshem God spoke to Moses saying: This is the offering of Aaron and his sons, which each shall offer to Hashem on the day he is inaugurated 6:12-13. Nearly every offering focuses upon the Kohen’s responsibilities: checking to make sure that the offering is blemish-free, that the slaughtering is done with one clean stroke of the knife, that it is done and that it is done at the appropriate time. The entire institution of the Korbonot hinges upon the purity and expertise of the Kohen.
Our sages understood the importance of experts and learning from experts. They understood the importance of not paying attention to the Am Ha’Aretz. An expert has specific knowledge and wisdom that needs to be transmitted. The Kohen’s expertise allowed B’nei Yisroel to achieve a closer relationship with God. An expert finds a vaccine, an expert knows how to distribute the vaccine quickly and efficiently. An expert knows how to make sure that a community establishes herd immunity quickly. An expert understands how to “push down the curve”. From an expert, we learn facts and truth. Yes, we watch the news and listen to the experts here in Canada and in the U.S. and appreciate their depth of truth and the clarity in which they share their expertise.
Peace,
Rav Yitz
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