Parshat Tzav – March 29, 2024 / 19 Adar Bet, 5784

This past week we read Parsha Tzav, or “Commanded.” We are brought through, from the perspective of the duties of the Kohanim, the myriad animal sacrifices that are to be brought to the Holy Temple. We are also re-introduced to the priestly vestments. There is one aspect of this week’s Torah portion that I would like to focus on. An interesting tidbit in this Parsha tells us that the blood of a slaughtered ram is to be “placed upon the middle part of Aaron’s right ear, upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the big toe of his right foot.” The sons of Aaron are put through the same ritual. All of the priests, or Kohanim, are subjected to this particular practice. Commentary from Rabbi Joseph Hurtz and his famous Chumash says this was done because: “The ear was touched with blood, that it may be consecrated to hear the word of God; the thumb, to perform the duties of the priesthood; and the foot, to walk in the path of righteousness.”

In my estimation, this is a commandment for all of us, as we are told to be a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation in Exodus chapter 19. We must all aspire to do what this ritual might represent. Blood, or “Dam” in Hebrew, is considered the essence of all life. We are given specific instructions on when to include it in a ritual, and we are often told to avoid it as the laws of Kashrut are concerned. When we “hear the word of God” as Joseph Hurtz explained, perhaps we are meant to listen to one another. If we do not engage in active listening, especially given the divisive and sometimes outright contentious nature of today’s world, we risk any potential togetherness and empathy. Everything begins with listening not just to the echoes of our own thoughts, but to that which comes to us from outside of our own bubbles of reason. The thumb is upon our hand, and our hands (yadayim) are what we use to engage in actions. The work of our hands is the active work of faith and trust, or emunah, according to the great Hasidic Rabbi Nachman of Bretslov. Just last week, we read of Amalek’s attack upon the vulnerable people of Israel. When Moses lifts his hands, the Israelites prevail, when he lowers them, the Amalekites gain advantage. Moses also lifts his hands to ensure the parting of the Sea of Reeds. Sometimes we forget that Moses did not raise his hands alone, but his brother Aaron and Hur, his nephew, actually lifted his hands when they became fatigued. We can perform righteous acts of faith with our hands, and we can use our hands to lift others up in righteousness as well.

Finally we have the big toe. For anyone who has stubbed their big toe, we know just how painful that sensation can be. The hallux, or big toe, helps us to grip the ground securely. While we put our faith in God, we must remain grounded in the world that we live in. we must not become out of touch with the trials and tribulations of the world that we inhabit. Our toes must grip the realities that we face day-to-day. Our tradition tells the story of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai and his son who hid from Roman authorities in a cave for 12 years, only studying Torah. When they emerged from hiding, they were quick to judge a family working the land instead of studying Torah. God told them to go back into the cave for another year for an attitude adjustment. They came out, and saw a man carrying myrtle. They engaged in what I refer to as “deepening compassionate curiosity,” and asked the man what he was doing. They found his answer to be holy, and they were back on track. We must let the Torah enhance our connections, not take the place of them.

The ear, the thumb, and the toe. Aaron and the Kohanim were charged with ensuring that all aspects of themselves be prepared for holy purpose. Are we prepared for our holy purpose? Can we adjust what we choose to hear about others, and what we hear about ourselves? Can we tweak the work of our hands to be more impactful in a positive way to ourselves and to others? Finally, do we have our toes gripping the ground of empathy? Have we lost touch with ourselves, with those around us? Can we walk in the shoes of another and truly feel for and with them?

Let us all be blessed to move forward with all aspects of ourselves in sync with the Holiness of listening, doing, and grounding.

Shabbat Shalom!

– Rabbi Josh Gray