Torah Portion: Tzav
“וזאת תורת זבח השלמים” (ויקרא ז יא)
It is a positive commandment that the kohanim carry out the procedure of the peace-offering as described in Scripture, as it is written, If his offering is a feast peace-offering etc. (Vayikra 3:1), and it is written, This is the teaching of the feast peace-offering etc. (ibid. 7:11).
All offerings are thus included in one of four categories: the Olah (Burnt-offering), Chatas (Sin-offering); Asham (Guilt-offering), and Shelamim (Peace-offering). Whenever an offering is brought, whether public or private, it will always be from one of these.
The laws of the mitzvah include: Peace-offerings are brought from sheep, goats and cattle; male or female animals; and from either adult or young animals. However, fowl cannot be used for a Peace-offering.
There are four types of Peace-offerings: One is a Public Peace-offering of which there is only one such offering — the two sheep that are offered alongside the Two Loaves of Shavuos. The remaining three types of Peace-offerings are brought by individuals.
This commandment applies when the Holy Temple stands, to kohanim, for they are the ones charged with the service in the Temple.
