Tetzaveh – Peninim on the Torah

“Every morning when he cleans the lamps, he shall bring it up in smoke. And when Aharon kindles the lamps in the afternoon he shall bring it up in smoke.” (30:7,8)

It is notable that Aharon would burn the ketores, incense, daily at the same time as he would clean and kindle the Menorah. What is the significance of the juxtaposition of these various forms of service? Horav Moshe Feinstein, z.l., offers two lessons to be derived from this relationship. The Menorah symbolizes Torah scholars who illuminate the world by virtue of their Torah study and dissemination. The ketores gave off a fragrant smell. The connection between these avodos is that a Torah scholar should possess an acute sense of smell. He should have the capacity to “sniff out” which philosophies…

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Sruly Schnair In Tetzaveh, 5756

“And you shall slaughter the ram and take its blood and put it upon the tip of Aharon’s ear… and upon the thumb of their right hand and upon the big toe of their right foot.” (29:20)

The commentators observe that every Kohen and Torah leader must be prepared to minister to the needs of every individual Jew. The “ear” must be sensitive, prepared to listen and empathize with the plight of another Jew. It must have the capacity to discern and acknowledge the cries of the afflicted. The “hand” is not there only to take — to accept gifts, regardless of their nature and the intent of the benefactor. The hand must also accustom itself to give — to assist whenever and wherever it may be needed. The “foot” represents the leader’s willingness to go any…

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Sruly Schnair In Tetzaveh, 5756

“And you shall bring near to you Aharon your brother and his sons with him, from amongst the Bnei Yisrael, that they minister unto Me.” (28:1)

The Midrash comments that Moshe seemed to be upset when Hashem instructed him to induct Aharon into the Kehunah. When Moshe indicated his displeasure, Hashem responded that the Torah was His and that it had been given to Moshe. The Midrash seems to imply that Moshe desired to have a share in the Kehunah, to which Hashem responded that he already had his portion — the Torah. This Midrash is perplexing. Moshe Rabbeinu was the paragon of humility. It is difficult to understand why Moshe would be envious of his brother’s new function. Horav Mordechai Rogov, z.l., delineates between the…

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Sruly Schnair In Tetzaveh, 5756

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

Klal Yisrael is compared to the olive. This is the reason that the oil used for the Menorah was to be extracted from an olive. What is the basis of the parallel between the olive and the nature of Klal Yisrael? After all, Klal Yisrael has been compared to the fruits of many trees. What unique characteristic of the olive is reflected in Klal Yisrael’s personality? The Midrash explains that Klal Yisrael’s destiny is very much like that of the olive. In order to obtain oil from the olive, it must first be “knocked” off the tree. Afterwards, it is…

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“Every morning when he cleans the lamps, he shall bring it up in smoke. And when Aharon kindles the lamps in the afternoon he shall bring it up in smoke.” (30:7,8)

“And you shall slaughter the ram and take its blood and put it upon the tip of Aharon’s ear… and upon the thumb of their right hand and upon the big toe of their right foot.” (29:20)

“And you shall bring near to you Aharon your brother and his sons with him, from amongst the Bnei Yisrael, that they minister unto Me.” (28:1)

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

YEARS

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