The Sedra Tzav 5783

In this week’s portion, Parshat Tzav, we see the formal installation of Aaron and his sons into their sacred roles. It is a moment of great ceremony, but it also carries a deep lesson about the nature of leadership and motivation. We often look at public figures with suspicion, assuming they seek power or prestige. Yet, as Moshe gathers the community, Rashi notes his insistence that every action he takes is by divine command, not for personal or family glory. This theme resonates throughout Moshe’s life, as he later defends his integrity, noting he never even took a donkey that wasn’t his own. True service requires us to set aside our ego and the pursuit of honor. As the Sages teach, chasing honor can remove a person from the world, specifically because it eventually clashes with the values of the Torah. Join me as we explore how Moshe set the eternal standard for selfless public service. Shabbat Shalom!