Parashat Tzav (Vayikra/Leviticus 6:1–8:36)
“Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and everything in it, thereby sanctifying them. He then poured some of the anointing oil upon Aaron’s head and anointed him to sanctify him” (Vayikra 8:10–12).
What is the secret of this anointing oil that it plays such an important role?
The Jewish redeemer at the end of days is not called “Go’el” (Redeemer), but rather Mashiach—the Anointed One. According to tradition, the original oil prepared by Moses has endured miraculously through the generations. When the Third Temple is built, the very same oil used to inaugurate the Tabernacle and consecrate Aaron will be used once again.
Inexhaustible
Moses prepared only a small quantity—just twelve log (approximately five liters). Yet it endured indefinitely and proved inexhaustible. Why did G-d command Moses to make so little? Could He not have instructed him to prepare a larger amount sufficient for all future needs?
The answer lies not in quantity, but in quality.
The oil ensures that everything functions as it should: it reveals inner potential and allows it to flow outward smoothly and harmoniously.
A Demonstration of the Process
The priests (kohanim) and the Mishkan were not actually sanctified by the anointing oil itself. Rather, the oil demonstrated that the priests and the sacred objects already possessed kedushah (holiness). Only a small amount was therefore necessary.
This can be compared to lighting one candle from another: only minimal contact—just enough—is needed to touch the next wick. The potential of each new candle is awakened by the first flame, much like the shamash on Chanukah that lights the others.
Thus, the anointing oil simply brings to the surface the holiness that already exists within.
In the same way, it reveals an inner quality already present. This kedushah had been implanted by G-d from the outset. The children of kohanim and kings (who were also anointed) inherited a natural predisposition toward priesthood or kingship. The vessels of the Tabernacle received their sanctity through Divine command as well as the pure intentions of those who crafted them.
Holiness Through Illumination, Understanding, or Transformation
The anointing oil teaches us that holiness cannot be imposed from the outside. It must already exist within and can then be awakened through illumination, deeper understanding, or emotional transformation.
When this holiness is present in earlier generations, it is transmitted to later ones. This also reveals that kingship in Israel—whose ultimate fulfillment is the Mashiach—is far more than a mere social or political function.
Kingship Is Not Merely a Social Function
We might view kingship simply as an efficient system for governing a nation, with the monarch fulfilling necessary roles in any society.
Yet the Davidic dynasty, from which the Mashiach descends, held a unique spiritual status. King David, for example, was permitted to sit in the Beit HaMikdash (the Temple in Jerusalem), a privilege shared with the High Priest. David attained a higher level of kedushah than the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. The southern kingdom of Judah—where the Davidic kings ruled and the Temple stood—required this elevated degree of holiness.
Only the descendants of David and the kohanim were permitted to use this anointing oil, and only they were allowed to sit in the Beit HaMikdash, as they formed an intrinsic part of its sanctity.
The Right Ear, the Right Hand, and the Right Foot
After the kohanim and sacred vessels were anointed and the inauguration offerings were brought, Moses was commanded to place some of the sacrificial blood on the right ear, right hand, and right foot of the kohanim.
The ear represents the ability to absorb truth and learn wisdom—the gateway to the heart and soul. Its consecration signifies that it should be used only for elevated purposes.
The hand symbolizes action, which must be directed toward tzedakah (charity) and justice.
The foot represents one’s path in life; its consecration calls for walking in the proper way.
The Importance of Proper Conduct
Although every individual should use these parts of the body in a sacred manner, this symbolism is emphasized in the priestly consecration to underscore the importance of proper conduct and the elevation of the human being above mere instinct.
The kohanim thus serve as role models for the entire Jewish people.
