Parshas Tetzaveh

This week’s Parsha is called, Parshas Tetzaveh. We learn in this week’s Parsha about the Bigdey Kahunah (the priests’ garments). There are two different types of Kohanim (priests), the Kohen (priest) and Kohan Gadol (head priest). The Kohen wore, Kutoness (tunic/long shirt), Michnasayim (pants), Mitznefes (hat), and the Ahvnait (belt). The Kohen Gadol wore a total of eight garments, (four extra). They were the Ephod (a form of apron), M’eel (robe), Choshen Mishpat (breastplate), and the Tzitz (head plate).

When the craftsmen made these Bigdey Kahunah (priests’ garment) the materials needed were given from the B’nai Yisroel (Jewish people) to them. Unlike previous donations which were given to Moshe (Moses) first. The question here is why were these donations different?

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein zt”l answers by saying that these donations were given to the craftsmen first was because there was a concern that these holy materials would be mixed with the other donated materials and that the craftsmen would accidentally take materials that weren’t specifically designated for the Bigdey Kahunah.

There is a passuk (passage) in this week’s Parsha regarding the Menorah (candelabra) and how it must constantly be lit and the oil used for the Menorah must be pure olive oil. Meaning the olive oil couldn’t contain sediment. No defects! The passuk reads, “V’yikchu Alecha Shemen Zayis Zuch… L’Ha’alos Nair Tamid.” You (the B’nai Yisroel) shall take to you pure olive oil, crushed for lighting, to kindle that lamp (Menorah) continually.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein zt”l brings down a comparison between the Menorah, the Torah, and Talmidai Chachumim (Torah scholars). The Menorah in its purity and continual illumination represents the wisdom of the both the Torah and the Talmidai Chachumim. He goes further and says, just like the oil that was used to light the Menorah had to be 100% pure so too, a Talmud Chachum must be 100% pure in his Torah learning and day to day actions.

May we all learn from this week’s Parsha to always learn with no “sediment” no defects and make Hashem, our Father in Heaven happy! –Amen!

 

HAVE A GREAT SHABBOS AND WEEKEND!

Stay tuned for next week’s Parsha called, Parshas Ki Sisa (KEY-SEE-SAH)!