Tetzaveh Summaries
Tetzaveh 5770-2010"The Central Role of the Golden Altar and the Incense"
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Tetzaveh 5769-2009"The Urim and Tumim--The Mysterious Priestly Accessory" One of the special accessories that the High Priest wore is known as the Urim v’Tumim. It is a rather mysterious vestment and apparently had the power to determine Jewish law, and provide guidance for the leaders of Israel and the people. According to Rashi, Urim stands for light and Tumim stands for clarity. link to full |
Tetzaveh 5768-2008 The Talmud teaches that priests could not officiate if they were not attired in their priestly vestments. Should garments make a difference in how we value people? |
Tetzaveh 5767-2007"Details, Details and More Details" |
Tetzaveh 5766-2006"Drawing Close to G-d"
In parashat Tetzaveh G-d announces that He will "dwell among the children of Israel and be their G-d." This statement seems to be asserting that G-d's presence among the people of Israel will be so overwhelming that they will perforce recognize Him as G-d. And yet, many people today are afraid of drawing too close to G-d, afraid of losing independence, and afraid of losing their individual identity. Link to full |
Tetzaveh 5765-2005"A Flame in Every Jewish Heart"
The "light" of the Menorah has multiple meanings. Our commentators teach us that every Jew must light a Ner Tamid, an eternal lamp, in his/her own heart, not only in the Tabernacle or the tent, but in the street, the marketplace and at the baseball game. Committed Jews must see themselves as "ambassadors" for Jewish life in order to stem the tide of assimilation and to win back the masses who have already walked away from Jewish life. Link to full |
Tetzaveh 5764-2004"Keeping the Priests Humble"
The detailed description of the priestly garments, reflects lives thoroughly devoted to the service of G-d. While their vestments are royal and holy, they are, in essence, quite humbling, connoting accountability and responsibility. The sanctity and complexity of the priestly garments, reveal the multifaceted nature of the priests' lives, that are at once privileged and charged with awesome responsibility. Link to full |
Tetzaveh 5763-2003 In contrast to the voluntary contributions that were made to the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the donation of pure olive oil for the candelabra was obligatory. The rabbis say that the light of the candelabra represents wisdom and Jewish education. When it comes to the light of Jewish education, donors have no choice. The People of Israel are expected to keep the menorah, the light of wisdom, of holiness and of Jewish education burning brightly! |
Tetzaveh 5762-2002 The Tamid, the perpetual offering, was brought every morning and afternoon of every day of the year. Unfortunately, we no longer have a Temple and can no longer offer sacrifices. All we have is prayer. Now we must show our consistency and faithfulness to G-d through our prayers. |
Tetzaveh 5761-2001 The party that King Achashverosh throws was not only to prove his legitimacy as a monarch, but also to celebrate the destruction of the Jewish people, to confirm that the prophecy of a rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem would no longer be fulfilled. Incredible as it may seem, the Jews of Persia participated in the party with great enthusiasm. For the Jews to be spared from Achashverosh and Haman, it was necessary for them to rise and to publically affirm G-d’s supremacy. |
Tetzaveh 5760-2000 Clothes play an important role in Judaism and in Jewish tradition. After all, the Al-mighty was the first designer of clothes for Adam and Eve. The clothes that the priests wore not only invested them with sanctity, but also represented the values that the priests were trying to communicate to the people. |