Parshas Tzav (5776)

Moses, the High Priest

The Torah writes (Leviticus 8:28):

And Moses took them from off their hands, and made them smoke on the altar upon the burnt-offering; they were a consecration-offering for a sweet savour; it was an offering made by fire unto the LORD.

Rashi (ibid) explains:

Moses (though a non-priest) was officiating during the seven days of installation

We also find in Psalms (99:6):

Moses and Aaron among His priests, And Samuel among them that call upon His name, Did call upon the LORD, and He answered them.

Rashi's source is the Talmud (Zevachim 102b):

The Sages maintain: Moses was invested with priesthood only for the seven days of consecration. Some maintain: Only Moses’ descendants were deprived of priesthood, for it is said, "But as for Moses the man of God, his sons are named among the tribe of Levi"; and it says, "Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among them that call upon His name"

Sefer Keren Orah (ibid) explains that Moses retained his status as the High Priest for the rest of his life but because he was busy with other matters, he let his brother Aaron serve as the High Priest



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