Archive for the ‘ Tetzaveh ’ Category
The oil used to light the Menorah in the Mishkan and later in the Bet Hamikdash had to be שֶׁמֶן זַיִת זָךְ כָּתִית, “…pure, pressed olive oil, beaten…”. (Ex.27,20) Rashi explains that the oil was not obtained by grinding the olives in a mill, which is the normal process. Rather, the olives were placed in [ READ MORE ]
In the Book of Shemot which we are currently reading, Moshe’s name is mentioned constantly and in every Sidra. The only exception is in the Portion we read this Shabbat. Why is his name omitted? It is especially surprising since we read this Sidra during the week in which the Rabbis of the Talmud calculated [ READ MORE ]
Hashem says to Moshe: VE’ATAH HAKREV ELECHA ET AHARON ACHICHA VE’ET BANAV ITO, “Bring near to yourself Aharon your brother and his sons with him…:. (Ex. 28,1) The Midrash tells us when Hashem said this to Moshe, Moshe was displeased. Hashem then comforted him and said, “The Torah I possessed I gave to you.” (Ex. [ READ MORE ]
Hashem said to Moshe: VE’ATAH HAKREV ELECHA ET AHARON ACHICHA, “And you bring Aharon your brother close to you…”. (Ex. 28,1) The purpose was to inaugurate Aharon into the position of Kohen Gadol. The Midrash tells us that when this happened Moshe was distressed. (Shemot Rabbah 37,4). He wanted the position for himself but Hashem [ READ MORE ]
Some people have peculiar habits when they pray in the synagogue. Some pray out loud and disturb the people around them. Others have an annoying practice of not remaining in one place but are constantly pacing back and forth. Both of these habits are halachicly and socially unacceptable. Rabbi Chaim of Brisk (Harav Soloveitchik’s grandfather) [ READ MORE ]
When lighting the Menorah in the Mishkan, the Kohen was to use pure olive oil only. (Ex. 27,20) The prophet Yirmiyahu tells us that Hashem called the Jewish people by the name of ZAYIT RA’ANAN, “A leafy olive …”(Jer. 11,16) Why did Hashem require that olive oil be used and why did Hashem, according to [ READ MORE ]
Chutzpa, arrogance or impudence, is a very bad trait. That does not mean that it should never be used. As a matter of fact, we are told in this Sidra that one of the items the Kohen Gadol was required to wear is the TZITZ or head-plate upon which was inscribed “Holy for Hashem”. The [ READ MORE ]
The Sidra instructs about the proper oil for lighting the Menorah that was to be placed in the Mishkan. The Menorah had a special significance and served a meaningful purpose for the Jews of the Wilderness and for Jews throughout the generations. Every country has a emblem that symbolizes its nation. The United States has [ READ MORE ]
In the instructions for lighting the Menorah in the Mishkan the Torah says that SHEMEN ZA’IT ZACH, “pure olive oil” was to be used. In describing the oil used in the Meal offering the Torah permits the use of an inferior quality. We all know that in Rabbinic literature light is recognized as representing enlightenment, [ READ MORE ]
The garments that the Kohanim were to wear when they officiated in the Mishkan are described in this weeks Portion. In giving the instructions to Moshe, Hashem says to him to make the garments for Aaron LECHAVOD ULETIFERET, “for splendor and for beauty.” In the next Pasuk Hashem instructs to tell the artisans who were [ READ MORE ]
Almost every Mitzva in the torah begins with the Words “And Hashem spoke to Moshe to speak to the Children of Israel”. In today’s Sidra, which begins by describing the Mitzvah of how to make the oil for the Menorah, the Torah deviates from its norm. Instead it starts by Hashem saying to Moshe, VE’ATAH [ READ MORE ]
The Torah uses many Pesukim to tell us about the garments of the Kohanim and the Kohen Gadol. These various garments are described in great detail. Why is it so important to elaborate on this item so much? Isn’t it interesting that so many professions have special uniforms. The police dress in a certain way. [ READ MORE ]
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