Weekly Parsha: From A Student Perspective

Aaron’s sons have just died at the hands of God due to their performance of sinful actions. It is now Aaron's job to not only atone for their sins but his duty. He is ordered to get two goats and cast lots between the two of them, one was to become a sacrifice and the other set free for Azazel.

PARSHAT TAZRIA-METZORA -- Keeping Up With The Torah Times by Avi Cohen ('21)

This week's Torah portion is made up of two parshas.

In Tazria, Hashem tells Moses about the laws, rules, and rituals for a mother's childbirth. There are rules concerning the mikvah process, and boys have to get a bris after eight living days. Hashem then tells Moses and Aaron about how to respond to those infected with leprosy.

In this week's Torah portion, Tzav, G-d makes Aaron and his sons high priests. This is an honor for any person, to become a holy figure and represent the Jews. Aaron and his sons have many duties that they need to follow, many rules they can’t break. 

What I think is quite interesting about this parsha is that there are multiple types of sacrifices, each with its own purpose and reason. There’s the ascending offering, meal offering, peace offering, sin offering, and guilt offering.

In this week's parsha, final details of the Tabernacle were finished. The priestly clothing is finished and given to the Cohanim to wear. The Tabernacle is completed and a cloud of smoke appears above it to show that Hashem is now dwelling there.