Parshah Tetzaveh (you shall command): Exodus 27:20- 30:11

Parshat Tetzevah begins in Sh’mot (Exodus) 27:20 with a command to Bnei-Israel regarding the lamps.  My mind quickly links lamp to light, and light to creation, to Messiah and to the children of Israel.  And I believe when a passage of scripture begins with light, we need to pay particular attention to what comes next.

We start with the command to the children of Israel to bring pure olive oil, the first pressing which is the very best, for the burning of the everlasting light.  I like how the entire community is participating and bringing this light about.  The emphasis on pure olive oil, which will help to create the light, speaks of holiness, and the holiness of what follows next.

And what follows next is the priestly garments.  What first jumped out to me when studying the parshat were the words, “so that they may minister to Me as Kohanim.”  It repeats 2 more times singling out Aaron, “so that he may minister to Me” as Kohen.  And then a fourth time at the end of chapter 28, talking again of Aaron and his sons.

These priestly garments are for sanctifying/consecrating Aaron, for holiness when ministering to the L-rd.

The specificity of the instructions are outstanding.  The very details of each piece of clothing for Aaron is magnificent.  The second thought I had when reading the details of the clothing, was that these priestly garments seemed regal, kingly, but also like a groom taking his vows.  High priest, king and groom that sounds very Messiah-like and I can’t help but think of the restoration of the future kingdom of G-d.

The third thing that I found interesting was that these garments were for splendor and beauty.  I can’t help but think of the burden and the responsibility that Aaron, the high priest needed to bear when wearing them.  The 2 onyx stones on his shoulders bearing the names of each tribe, as a reminder. And again the names of Bnei-Israel in the breastplate of judgement which would cover his heart and be a continual memorial before Ad-nai.  Aaron, when ministering before the L-rd, carried the entire community with him on his shoulders and on his heart.

Then after the detail of how Moses and the community were to consecrate the Kohanim, and then Ad-nai sanctifying the Tent of Meeting, altar, Aaron and his sons—its purpose is revealed:

“So I can dwell among Bnei-Israel and be their G-d.” Ex 29:45 TLV

This again brings my mind back to creation, specifically the garden.

Ad-nai’s desire to be in relationship with his creation, to dwell with his beloved.  It makes me sad and joyful at the same time.  Sad because we only know in part but joyful of the hope set before us.

The creation of the mishkan, the tabernacle, reminds me of the creation of the garden.  And the garments that the high priest wears are like skin of light, new skin so to speak.  To me this is a chance at restoration for Bnei-Israel —back to the garden, and for G-d to be able to dwell among His people once again.