VOLUME 109 NUMBER 8
Adar 1 14, 5784
February 23, 2024
PARSHAS TETZAVEH
Candlelighting Time 5:27 PM
We are well aware of the dispute between Korach and Moshe. One of his basic claims was why it is necessary to have special people conduct the service in the Mishkan. After all, the entire nation was consecrated after we received the Torah on Mt. Sinai so why can’t we all partake of the privilege of offering the sacrifices and the other duties that pertain to the operation of the Mishkan? Of course, that contention was absurd because for especial responsibilities you have to ‘employ’ select individuals. Even though Korach was able to sway hundreds to his side, that discussion remains for future reference. However, perhaps we can question the need for the High Priest. All of the Kohanim represent the elite of the nation and therefore why can’t we just allow from that exclusive group of those serving in the Mishkan and later in the Beis Hamikdash the privilege to execute some of the more restricted tasks in the Mishkan?
Rav Gedalyah Schorr has a riveting exposition describing the goal of the Kohen Gadol. At the time of creation, the entire world inhabited by Adam and Chava was on the level of the Mishkan. The Presence of Hashem pervaded and penetrated the Garden of Eden and Adam served as the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest, at that time. He was commanded to ‘work’ and ‘protect’ the garden. Every action that he performed served to maintain the presence of Hashem which had descended to this world and would he had not sinned it would have remained in its full glory. Of course, we know that Adam and Chava did transgress their obligations and destroyed the ambience of the creation dispelling its purity and contaminating it’s milieu to the extent that exists until today. The opportunity to rectify this situation presented itself when we received the Torah and we ascended to the level of angels and the entire creation also was elevated. However, we quickly digressed with the catastrophe of the Golden Calf.
The Mishkan was the next opportunity to bring back the Divine Presence to this world. Although it would be in a compromised fashion because it would not directly impact the entire world, within the confines of the Mishkan Hashem would be present in a manner reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. To create that qualitative environment to invite the Divine Presence into our midst, not only would a person of great stature be vital but the strength of his actions and deeds would be essential and imperative. Therein lies the need for someone of tremendous standing that can execute his duties on a level of performance far beyond the ability of the average Kohen. So, although technically those responsibilities could be attended to by anyone, the depth of accomplishment required to establish the Mishkan in its majestic plane of spirituality would be sorely lacking. Therefore, the need of the Kohen Gadol becomes apparent and vital. With this in mind perhaps we can also understand why the High Priest wore extra garments than the other Kohanim and also why he donned eight different attires. As Nachmonides and Malbim explain, the attire of the Kohanim, although they were colorful, well designed and beautiful, there was a much deeper meaning to their clothing. It actually played a role in shaping the stature of the Kohanim and effected their performance. Every thread was sewn with special intent and therefore had a resonating effect on those who wore them. The attire of the High Priest served to elevate him to a position of clarity and superiority in his service to Hashem. Furthermore, eight always alludes to a theme that is not tied to this world but to the celestial regions. The High Priest was on a high plateau of focus and concentration in his duties in the Mishkan that his set of eight truly assisted him to access that plane of meditation and intensity.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
The Jewish people are compared to olive oil. Just as olive oil does not mix with water rather it floats to the top, so too, we should not overindulge in the physical matters of this world to maintain the purity and integrity of our souls.
S’FAS EMES
GOOD SHABBOS
IN THESE PARSHIOS OF TERUMAH AND TETZAVEH WE REALIZE THAT WE HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH HASHEM IN A FASHION UNKNOWN TO OTHER NATIONS. HASHEM’S PRESENCE PERMEATED THIS WORLD WHEN WE POSSESSED THE MISHKAN AND LATER THE BEIS HAMIKDASH. AND WE ANXIOUSLY AWAIT THAT TIME WHEN WE WILL AGAIN MERIT HIS PRESENCE, THE SHECHINA TO BE WITH US. ONE OF THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR HIS KINGSHIP TO REIGN IS THE UNITY OF THE NATION. WE HAVE WITNESSED A TREMENDOUS SURGE OF A UNIFED PEOPLE DUE TO OUR UNFORTUNATE SITUATION. WE PRAY THAT THIS UNITED FRONT THAT HAS SURFACED SHOULD CONTINUE AFTER THIS CONFLICT ENDS AND BRING US TO THE ULTIMATE SALVATION.