Parasha Tzav
Further laws of the sacrificial service and the seven-day inauguration of Aaron and his sons.
Overview
Parasha Tzav continues the laws of the offerings, this time addressed directly to Aaron and the priests. It then describes the actual inauguration ceremony — the seven days during which Aaron and his sons were consecrated as priests in the Tabernacle.
The Story
God commands Moses to instruct Aaron on the daily removal of ashes from the altar, the perpetual fire that must never go out, and the priestly portions of each offering. The prohibition of eating blood and forbidden fats is emphasized. Moses then performs the inauguration: he washes, dresses, and anoints Aaron and his sons, offers the required sacrifices, and sprinkles blood on the altar. Aaron and his sons remain at the Tabernacle entrance for seven days.
Significance for Noahides
The perpetual fire on the altar — never extinguished — symbolizes the continuous nature of the relationship between God and Israel, and by extension, between God and all humanity. The careful, detailed laws of the priestly service teach that serving God requires consistency, discipline, and attention to detail, not just occasional bursts of inspiration.