Parashat Tetzaveh

Revision as of 21:54, 6 February 2014

Parshas Tetzaveh is the eighth parsha in the Book of Shemos and the final week of Shovavim-Tat on leap years. It contains 101 pesukim. For the Haftora; Yechezkel's prophecy about the Third Beis Hamikdash, is read.

Menorah Service

Hashem tells Moshe to command the Jews to bring to him pure olive oil for lighting the Menorah. It is to be lit each evening until the morning by Aharon or his descendants in its location in the Ohel Moed. Lighting the Menorah is a commandment for all generations where applicable.

Bigdei Kehuna

Hashem tell Moshe to separate Aharon and his sons Nadav, Avehu, Elazar and Itamar from the rest of the Jews and turn them into priests. He is then told to create special garments of honor for Aharon. These garments include the Choshen, Efod, Me’il, Katonet, Mitznefet and Avnet. They are to be created from gold, fine linen as well as blue, scarlet and purple dyed wool by those that have wisdom in their hears.

Efod / Apron

The Efod was an apron made from gold, fine linen and wool dyed in blue, scarlet and purple colors. It had two sholder straps, each set with a large sardonyx stone with the name of six tribes engraved on it in the order of their birth. These were to serve as a remembrance of the Jews infront of Hashem.

Choshen / Breastplate

The Choshen was a breastplate that was held up by two gold chains. It was square and composed of from gold, fine linen and wool dyed in blue, scarlet and purple colors. It contained four horizontal rows each with three gemstones embedded in it. Each of the two upper corners had a gold ring that held the golden chains that connected it to the Ephod. Once connected, the Choshen is never to be removed from the Ephod. On the stones were engraved the names of the twelve tribes, this way they would be carried by Aharon over his heart when he enters the Holy and serve as a remembrance before Hashem constantly. In back of the Chosen the Urim and the Tummim were placed.

Rows of the Choshen

1. Odem, Pitdah, and Bareketh
2. Nofech, Sappir, and Yahalom
3. Leshem, Shevo, and Achlamah
4. Tarshish, Shoham, and Yashpheh

Me’il / Robe

The Me'il was a robe consisting solely of blue dyed wool. It had an opening on its top similar to the opening of a coat of armor. It was turned inward and had a border around it, the work of a weaver so it should not be torn. On the bottom hem of the Me'il there was a row of alternating golden bells and pomegranates. Each pomegranate was created from blue, purple, and crimson dyed wool. When Aharon enters the Holy and leaves the bells would make noise.

Tzitz / Headband

The Tzitz was a headband of pure gold with the words 'Holy to YKVK' engraved upon it. This was worn of Aharons forehead and was held up by straps of dyed blue wool that went over the Mitznephet. The Tzitz atoned for the sins of improper sacrifices and help make the Jews favorable before Hashem.

Katonet / Tunic

The Katonet was a tunic of pure linen created through checkered work. It was worn by both the high priest as well as by regular priests.

Yimay HaMiluim

Korban Tamid

Mizbeach Hazahav