Table Talk

Tetzaveh  תצוה

Tetzaveh means “to command.” In this parsha, God instructs the Israelites to bring Moshe clear oil made from crushed olives, so that Aaron and the other Kohanim could kindle lamps every day in the mishkan. The Mishkan was the portable sanctuary in the desert where the Israelites came to pray to God.

We also learn that God instructed Moshe to make a breastplate for the Kohen Gadol to wear, and to put in it twelve precious stones that represented the twelve tribes of Israel. We learn about the clothing of the Kohanim - the high priests - that they wore when serving in the Mishkan. The eight priestly garments were the breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a coat, a turban, tzitzit, linen breeches, and a sash.

God then described and explained all the holy ceremonies for the mishkan that later would be performed in the Beit Hamikdash - the Holy Temple - in Jerusalem.

The Kohanim had to light a lamp every day and night in the Mishkan. Today, we always have a light kindled in our synagogue sanctuaries - we call it the Ner Tamid, or the Eternal Flame. This is the light we see next to the ark in every synagogue. The light reminds us that God will always be with us. His relationship with us will never be extinguished.

A Kohen Gadol had to wear special clothing so people would know who he was. The Kohen Gadol had to be serious about what he was supposed to do. The clothing he wore helped him get into the right frame of mind to carry out his responsibilities.

Today, people who have a special role in our society also have a special uniform. For example soldiers, policemen, and doctors. What we wear tells people what we do and it helps us understand how we are supposed to behave. For example, policemen wear a special suit because what they do is serious - just like the Kohen Gadol and many other people who wear special clothing because their jobs are important. Also, when people put on their uniform they are reminded that they have a very important job to do and that they should take their job seriously and work the best they can.

When I go to a Bar Mitzvah I have to dress appropriately in order to let people know that going to a Bar Mitzvah is something very special and holy, just like the Kohen Gadol wore special clothes when he was serving Hashem. It is the same situation with going to shul, a wedding, and any other important events you attend - you must always dress appropriately.

When my dad goes to a meeting he has to wear fancy clothes, so the people he wants to work with will think he is serious and will want to work with him. If he wears flip flops and a sun shirt, the people will think he is lazy and won’t want to work with him. When my dad wears a suit he gives the message that he will work very hard and will be successful.

This teaches me that the way you dress is important because if you want to be successful you should always present yourself as someone people will respect and trust.

Thank you and Shabbat Shalom!