This week, we celebrated Purim. Certainly, Purim looked and felt a lot different this year than last year. Yes, there was a glaring difference between last year’s Purim celebration and this year’s Purim celebration. Last year’s celebration essentially became super spreader events in orthodox communities in and around the New York suburb of Westchester. This year’s celebration was low-key, with no guests, with one eye towards Shabbat preparations. It is still winter; however, I felt the ever so slightest transition to Spring. Daylight lasts just a little bit longer. The sun sets just a little later. When at its apex, the sun burns just a little warmer and shines a little brighter. Yes, I am sure we will get some more snow, and there will be more days below freezing; but the fact that there is more daylight, more sunlight reminds us that we are slowly emerging from the darkness of winter.
This Shabbat we read from Parshah Tetzaveh. The focus of the Parshah is upon Aharon, Moshe’s brother, Aharon’s sons, their position as the Kohen Gadol, (High Priest), their “work uniform” and their preparations. Just like last week’s Parshah, Terumah was chock full of specifics and details concerning the construction of the Mishkan, Tetzavah’s primary focus is upon the specifics and the details concerning the Bigdei Kohanim - The Kohen Gadol’s Priestly uniform. From material to design, this aspect of the Parshah is a tailor's/fashion designer’s dream. Once the details for the uniform have been taught, the Parshah changes its focus to the Kohen’s required preparations. These preparations were vital in order to make sure that the Kohen was spiritually pure enough to make offerings on the behalf of the people. God will only rest his presence among the people once the construction is complete, the clothes are made, and the Kohanim have been purified.
This is the only Parsha since between the beginning of the Book of Exodus until the end of the Torah that does not mention Moshe by name. Rather, he is referred to as Atah – You. Moshe’s only responsibility focuses upon the purity of the olive oil used to light the Menorah (7 branch candelabra), and making wise personnel choices. Moshe personally designates the Kohanim and he selects wise and talented people to make the sacred priestly vestments and build the Tabernacle. V’Atah T’tzaveh et Bnai Yisroel VYikchu Eilecha Shemen Zayit Zach Katit La’Maor L’Ha’Alot Neir Tamid – Now you shall command the Children of Yisroel that they shall take for you pure, pressed olive oil for illumination to kindle the lamp continually (Ex. 27:20). Rashi explains that “continually” does not mean 24/7. Instead “continually” means that the Menorah (was kindled every evening, even on Shabbat. The Menorah burned from evening until morning. Ramban, citing Sifre ( a rabbinic text of Midrash Halacha), disagrees with Rashi and completely contradicts him. Rambam explains that “continually” does indeed refer to the westernmost lamp of the Menorah that burned 24/7. Figuratively speaking, light frequently symbolizes wisdom and enlightenment. We also know that light is symbolic of God’s presence. Olive oil provides the fuel for Menorah, a light that was to burn constantly in the Mishkan and later in the Holy Temple, the Eternal Light. Like the Menorah is a vessel requiring pure Olive Oil in order for a flame to burn, the same is true for the Kohen Gadol who serves as a vessel to transmit sacrificial offerings from the people to God. As a vessel, he must be pure both on the outside (the Bigdei Kahuna -Holy Vestments), and on the inside, his soul. These Holy Vestments are only for the Kohen. However the Menorah, the "continual" light is a light for B’nai Israel. The light of the Menorah embodies B’nai Yisroel’s pursuit of holiness, spirituality, and knowledge.
The pursuit of wisdom, enlightenment, and the attainment of holiness is not limited to Moshe and Aharon but is aspirational for all Bnai Yisroel. The pursuit of this light and warmth is not limited to moments of Torah study, and the fulfillment of the Commandments. Sometimes this pursuit of wisdom and holiness occurs at the most mundane moments when we become aware of the slighted transition of a season, the cycle of a moon, or the first noticeable chirpings of a bird in the morning. Indeed, we look for the light. Sometimes the light finds us. We look for clarity. Sometimes we need only open our eyes. Our striving is neither confined by time or space, We are able to carry that light with us where ever we go.
Peace,
Rav Yitz
Rav Yitz
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