This week we are studying Parashat Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36). I reference the children’s song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes,” as a quaint way to remember this parsha describes an interesting part of the kohen’s anointing ceremony involving his right earlobe, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot (Aliyah 6). What on earth is this teaching us about parenting?
Tzav Aliyot Summary
The careful removal of ashes from the altar is described. The Torah is using this moment to model for us to value of life, even during death.
Certain types of vessels absorb smells and flavor and therefore this aliyah is setting some important groundwork for the kashrut laws.
The Thanksgiving offering is made when one survives a dangerous situation.
The Induction Ceremony for the Kohenim begins in this aliyah with the Kohenim changing clothes. Then Moses anoints them, along with the Tabernacle and all its vessels in oil.
The Induction Ceremony continues with the sacrifice of a bull and a ram.
Moses sacrifices a second ram, the fats of which are burnt on the altar, and the blood is placed on each priest’s right ear lobe, right thumb, and right big toe.
Moses anoints them again and tells them to repeat this process for six more days, a sort of “sleepover” with Hashem in the Tabernacle.
Parenting Touchpoint:
The right ear, thumb of our right hand, and big toe of our right foot could just be shorthand for "serve G-d with your whole body,” but in this episode, I share some thoughtful questions for reflection. Maybe the ear represents what we are taking in, what we are listening to, and what we are watching. Maybe the thumb of the right hand represents where we are lending our strength. Maybe the big toe of the right foot represents where we are going.
The definition of “Success” for each family is between them and G-d. Just as the family of Kohenim had a distinctly different definition of success than the other family tribes, so, too, each of our families needs to get clear with G-d about our definition of success. In this episode, I share a short story about a time when my career goals were drastically different than those of my colleagues due to the vision G-d had given us for our family in that season.
I have designed a workbook for sale on my website to help you to get clear about your role in this season called, “Crafting Your Parenting Vision.” I hope it is a blessing to you!
May G-d bless you with wisdom, understanding, quick understanding, and the fear of G-d…(Isaiah 11) Until next time, Shalom!
This work is provided by the generous support of listeners. If you are enjoying this podcast, please help us out by sharing it with another parent.
If wish to support this podcast financially, you can do that here:
Share this post