Parashat Tetzaveh
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.
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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
- Odem, Pitdah, and Bareketh
- Nofech, Sappir, and Yahalom
- Leshem, Shevo, and Achlamah
- Tarshish, Shoham, and Yashpheh