Matzah All Year Round

Tzav

Lev. 6:1-8:36

Précis: The parasha begins with Adonai ordering Moses to command (“tzav”) Aaron and his sons concerning offerings. Requirements for the daily offerings, directions for the meal offerings, instructions for guilt-offerings and thanksgiving offerings are described. The parasha then describes the initial offerings of the Tabernacle made by Aaron and his sons following their consecration to priestly service by Moses. 

Lev. 6:7-9 “This is the ritual of the grain offering…..what is left shall be eaten by Aaron and his sons; it shall be as unleavened cakes….”

            The grain offering used for daily sacrifices by the priests described in this parasha consisted of flour, olive oil, and frankincense. A handful of it was offered on the altar, but the rest was eaten by them. Perhaps surprisingly, the meal offering is to be eaten as matzah:  “it shall be as unleavened cakes.”  

            Why is matzah required throughout the year, when we usually associate it only with Passover?

            Naturally, we eat matzah on Passover because the Israelites did not have time to let their bread rise when they fled Egypt; it is also called the “bread of Affliction” to remind us of their suffering as slaves. In addition, the Rabbis have linked “leaven” with gluttony and matzah with slavery as well.

            But why were the Priests instructed to eat matzah throughout the year? Perhaps it is because by eating matzah, they were transferring the Passover concept of a free people to the Temple service. Like the Seder table, the Altar was a place of richness and plenty. Even as the Temple signifies our freedom, the matzah reminds us to remember the less fortunate: the widow, the orphan, and the strangers in our midst (a constant refrain of Leviticus).

            Are there political implications of this analysis to our current Presidential campaign? Perhaps you might find that a useful subject for discussion at your own Shabbat table this week.