Thread by @GREENESJ333

Roger Froikin @rlefraim wrote, "Shabbat Shalom
Parshat Tetzaveh -
Exodus 27:20–30:10

Some might dismiss this parsha as boring in that it is mostly about what could be called “priestly fashion.”
1)

Every nation’s priesthood adopts special clothing to show the world their status and role, and these costumes always are designed to communicate through symbolism.
2)

And of course, these costumes were also designed to separate the priesthood from the people during ceremonial events, to make them stand out from the masses.

But there are some things in the parsha of special interest if one looks closely.
3)

HaShem tells Moshe to have the people provide pure olive oil to feed the “everlasting flame” of the menorah, which Aaron is to light each evening to burn “from evening till morning.”
4)

The priestly garments, to be worn by the kohanim (priests) while serving in the Sanctuary, are described. All kohanim wore:
5)

1) the ketonet—a full-length linen tunic; 2) michnasayim—linen breeches; 3) mitznefet or migba’at—a linen turban; 4) avnet—a long sash wound above the waist.
6)

In addition, the kohen gadol (high priest) wore: 5) the efod—an apron-like garment made of blue-, purple-, and red-dyed wool, linen, and gold thread; 6) the choshen—a breastplate containing twelve precious stones inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel;
7)

7) the me’il—a cloak of blue wool, with gold bells and decorative pomegranates on its hem; 8) the tzitz—a golden plate worn on the forehead, bearing the inscription “Holy to G‑d.”
8)

Tetzaveh also includes HaShem’s detailed instructions for the seven-day initiation of Aaron and his four sons—Nadav, Avihu, Elazar, and Itamar—into the priesthood, and for the making of the golden altar, on which the ketoret (incense) was burned.
9)

That is interesting. Why refer to this flame as “everlasting,” when it burned only at dark? Well, let’s be practical. In the daylight, who would see it? But at night, imagine this.
10)

Hundreds of thousands of people camped around, and in the center there is this Sanctuary in bright colors, and a light that is burning all night long in the darkness. This is real drama. Real emotion.
11)

When all the people could look to the center and see this light, illuminating the bright colors of the Sanctuary as well. It must have been impressive, and it must have provided the people with a feeling of unity."
12)

@threadreaderapp unroll