Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

Category

Back to Home -> Tetzaveh -> 5753


And the altar (of copper) shall be a sanctuary for sanctuaries” (29:37)

It seems peculiar that the Torah twice refers to the copper altar, which was situated outside of the “Heichal,” as “kodesh kodoshim.” This is in contrast to the altar of incense , which was placed opposite the Aron Hakodesh and is described merely as “kodesh.” Horav Moshe Feinstein, z.l., suggests the following homiletic interpretation. The placement of the altars, inside or outside, symbolizes the Torah scholar when he is inside or outside of the Bais Hamidrash. A Torah scholar should be cognizant that while he is “holy” in the Bais Hamidrash, he must be “doubly holy” when he leaves this…

Continue Reading

“And you shall make a showplate of pure gold… and this shall go over the turban… and it shall be on Aharon’s forehead, and so Aharon shall do away with the transgressions of the holy things.” (28:36,37,38)

Chazal state that the “tzitz” atoned for the sin of impudence exhibited by the people. This seems enigmatic. How does Aharon’s wearing of the tzitz atone for a generation’s brazenness and lack of courtesy? Does the Kohen Gadol’s wearing of the tzitz give one license to be impertinent? Horav Reuven Katz, z.l., resolves this difficulty in the following way. One who secretly sins will be embarrassed if his baneful act is publicized. In contrast, one who is impudent defies criticism and publicly flaunts his evil in the most arrogant manner. Atonement for a sin is effected through the balance of…

Continue Reading

“And you shall make sacred garments for Aharon your brother for glory and majesty.” (28:2)

The Torah devotes an entire parsha to the preparation of the priestly vestments. Indeed, the Torah apportions more space to the “Bigdei Kehunah” than to the sacred vessels which were used in the Mishkan. Although the priestly vestments were not an inherent part of the actual service, the service could be performed only when the Kohen was wearing them. It seems apparent that the Bigdei Kehunah performed a sublime role. The Chizkuni explains that ase hsdc, sacred garments, is the key phrase which defines the moral and spiritual striving represented by the priestly garb. The beauty manifested by these vestments…

Continue Reading

“And you shall command Bnei Yisrael.” (27;20)

Moshe’s name is not mentioned in this parsha. The Baal Ha’Turim states that Moshe entreated Hashem on behalf of Klal Yisrael after they sinned with the Golden Calf. He pleaded, “Erase me from Your Book.” In accordance with Moshe’s emphatic statement, Hashem chose one parsha in which Moshe’s name would not be recorded. We may wonder why Parashas Tetzaveh was chosen to be the parsha from which Moshe’s name was excluded. Horav Nissan Alpert, z.l., suggests that the word “tetzaveh,” which means command, alludes to Am Yisrael’s leadership. The function of leadership is to command and guide the people. In…

Continue Reading

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

You have Successfully Subscribed!