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“Seven days shall the kohen put them on (who will be) in his place of his sons.” (29:30)

The Kohen Gadol’s position was passed on to his son after his death. The Talmud in Yoma 72b states that this halacha was not applicable to a Kohen Gadol who had been anointed specifically to lead Bnei Yisrael into war. The Mashuach Milchamah, the special Kohen Gadol who had received his position only for the purpose of leadership in battle, did not bequeath the kehunah gedolah, high priesthood, to his son. The Chofetz Chaim z.l. was once asked to decide a din Torah regarding a Rav of a community who had passed away. The members of the community chose to…

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“And you shall place the crown of sanctity over the turban.” (29:6)

It is interesting to note that the Torah places emphasis upon the Kohen Gadol’s crown. The Kohen Gadol had neither sovereignty nor power over Bnei Yisrael. His mission in life was to be Bnei Yisrael’s “agent” in the Bais Hamikdash by offering the korbanos and to be Bnei Yisrael’s preeminent teacher and spiritual mentor. It is, therefore, enigmatic that the Torah stresses his crown. In contrast, the Melech Yisrael, Jewish king, who was charged with ruling the people and did have jurisdiction over them, is not portrayed as having a crown. The only demand placed upon the king was that…

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“And you shall command Bnei Yisrael that they take unto you pure olive oil… And bring near unto you Aharon your brother … that they may minister unto Me (as Kohanim)… And you shall speak … and they shall make Aharon’s garments .” (27:20, 28:1,3)

The Torah emphasizes Moshe’s direct involvement in three tasks: obtaining oil for the menorah, appointment of the Kohen Gadol, and preparation of the bigdei kehunah, priestly vestments. In all other instances which relate to building the Mishkan and its various appurtenances, the words uagu, ,hagu, or vag,, are used. This phrase implies Klal Yisrael’s collective involvement.  What distinguishes these three obligations that renders Moshe’s involvement essential? Horav Elchanan Sorotzkin z.l. posits that each of these three tasks require the direct supervision of the gadol ha’dor, prememinent Torah leader of the generation. He explains this in the following manner. The oil…

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“And you shall command Bnei Yisrael that they take unto you pure olive oil beaten for the light.” (27:20)

Rashi explains that the requirement of “kasis,” beaten, only applies to the oil used for the menorah. Oil which is used for menachos, meal offerings, does not have this stipulation. Horav S.Y. Zevin z.l. explains this halacha homiletically. The oil used for lighting the menorah symbolizes the light of Torah, while the oil used for the meal offerings represents man’s material sustenance. The Torah seems to admonish that “beaten” oil or “toiling” for the purpose of material sustenance is not a requirement. On the other hand, “ameilus”, toil, is an essential pre-requisite for Torah study and spiritual development. Torah study…

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