Tzav
To Command
Power to Command
Parsha Tzav commences with G-d telling Moses to “command” Aaron and his sons in connection with maintaining the burnt offering. The portion is a continuance of Vayikra and further describes the offerings made in the Tabernacle. Specifically, it describes the laws of the burnt offering, meal offering, guilt offering and peace offering and details the installation of Aaron and his sons into service as priests. The word “command” is specifically used by G-d in Tzav, whereas in other portions He uses “say” or “speak”.
To command someone is a definitive directive. There is no choice in the matter and no opportunity for the person to "think" about the action. The root word of Tzav is Tzavatah – meaning to connect. When we observe a command, or take an action without overthinking or allowing our ego or personal agenda to potentially limit us, we are able to rise above the constraints of our senses and “connect” spiritually to a higher realm. When we respond with certainty, we can move forward and break free from doubts or other forces in life that enslave us.
The Small Mem
Whenever there is a small or large letter in the Torah, we know there is mystical significance. This week in Tzav, there is a small letter Mem in the word “mokdah”, meaning flame. Mem has the numerical value of 40, alluding to the Torah, which was given to Moses after 40 days. The mem also represents water, from the word "mayim".
In multiple places, the Torah is metaphorically referred to as water because:
(i) water gives life - just as water sustains physical life, Torah sustains the soul;
(ii) water flows downward - Torah wisdom descends from above, from the divine to the human realm;
(iii) water is humble - it always seeks the lowest point, just like Torah "rests" with the humble and the open-hearted; and
(iv) water is essential - you can’t live without water; spiritually, you can’t live without Torah.
Lastly, 40 is the age when one obtains the deepest knowledge to understand Torah.
Kabbalists suggest that Torah-study should be held within the heart of the student and approached with humility (small, like the small letter Mem), not as an outward display. A flame, by contrast, always seeks to rise and can represent pride and ego. The small Mem reminds us to remain humble because when we understand how small we are, we create space for greatness. As the Talmud teaches:, “Anyone who chases after greatness, greatness flees from him”.
Opportunity for Balance
According to traditional teachings, the midpoint of the Torah (in verses) is found within this section of Tzav. Whenever we reach the middle of something, we can connect to the energy of balance—the central column in Kabbalah, between Sharing (right column) and Receiving (left column).
By connecting to this midpoint during the reading this week, we are able to more easily achieve and maintain balance in our lives.
Shabbat Hagadol - The ‘Big’ Shabbat
The Shabbat preceding Passover is called Shabbat HaGadol - the "Great Shabbat". We read a special Haftorah from the Book of Malachi.
This Shabbat contains the secret of redemption - how to move from bondage to freedom. The Torah describes how G-d required each household to take a lamb and tie it to their bedposts on the 10th of Nissan - in preparation for the Passover offering. This was the first mitzvah performed by the Jewish nation and demonstrated absolute certainty in G-d's word.
Lambs were considered Egyptian idols. The act of publicly tying them up - before slaughtering then - required immense certainy and courage, as it went directly against the dominant beliefs of the time. This act created a powerfule revelation of Light.
On Shabbat HaGadol, we can connect to this same energy - the ability to confront and remove the "idols" in our lives - whether that is attachment to money, unhealthy relationships, fear, ego or a path that no longer serves us.
By doing so, we move closer to our highest selves and true spiritual freedom.
This energy of redemption, of moving rom restriction to freedom, is available on Shabbat HaGadol and continues throughout the entire week of Passover.
Practical Tools for the Week
1. Act Without Overthinking (Tzav – Command Energy)
Choose one important action you’ve been delaying and do it immediately—without analysis or hesitation. Build certainty through action.
2. Practice Quiet Humility (Small Mem)
Do something meaningful this week without sharing it or seeking recognition. Let it stay internal. This builds real spiritual strength.
3. Balance Check-In (Central Column)
Pause once each day and ask:
Am I only reacting… or am I responding with balance?
Adjust toward the middle—where clarity lives.
4. Identify Your “Idol” (Shabbat HaGadol Work)
Ask yourself honestly:
What is controlling me right now?
Name one attachment (fear, ego, comfort, habit) and take one step to break its hold.
5. Step Into Freedom
Do one thing this week that your higher self knows is right—but your comfort zone resists. That is your personal “Exodus.”
Resources & Credits
The Weekly Wisdom emails and the ideas presented herein are compiled from the following sources:
Gutnick Edition Chumash with Rashi's commentary, Targum Onkelos, and commentary anthologized from Classic Rabbinic Texts and the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
Apples from the Orchard - Gleanings from the Mystical Teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria on the Weekly Torah Portion
Kabbalistic Bible - Kabbalah Centre International, Inc
The Zohar - Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, various translations
Mysteries of the Kabbalah - Marc-Alain Ouaknin
Wikipedia
Other online written and video content that discusses and shares Kabbalistic Wisdom