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Home -> 5758 -> Tetzaveh

Moshe Marcovich
In Tetzaveh, 5758

And Aharon shall burn upon it (the mizbayach of ketores) the incense–spices every morning; when he cleans the lamp he is to burn it. (30:7)

Aharon was commanded to burn the Ketores at the same time that he cleaned the lamps of the Menorah.  Is there some significance to performing these  two seemingly unrelated aspects of the avodah  together?  Horav David Feinstein, Shlita, cites Chazal who say the burning of the Ketores atoned for the sin of lashon hora.  The Menorah, on the other hand, was the symbol of limud ha’Torah.  The Menorah is the remedy for the sin of lashon hora.  One who studies Torah will invariably sanctify his entire body, including his power of speech.  How can he use the mouth that studies…

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Home -> 5758 -> Tetzaveh

Moshe Marcovich
In Tetzaveh, 5758

And Aharon shall bear the judgment of the Bnei Yisrael on his heart constantly before Hashem. (28:30)

This pasuk is a reference to the Choshen, Breastplate, which Aharon wore.  The Choshen was folded in half to form a pocket into which was placed a parchment containing Hashem’s Ineffable Name.  This was called the Urim V’Tumim.  The Urim V’Tumim catalyzed  the individual letters of the names of the shevatim which were inscribed on the Choshen to light up and give answers to questions of national importance.  The zechus, merit, of wearing the Choshen was given to Aharon because of his special character.  When he was coming to greet Moshe, after Moshe had been selected by Hashem to be…

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Home -> 5758 -> Tetzaveh

Moshe Marcovich
In Tetzaveh, 5758

You shall make holy vestments for Aharon your brother, for glory and splendor. (28:2)

The Kohanim are to be clothed in vestments which reflect their wearers’ noble position.  These garments were similar to the garb worn by royalty.  They gave glory to Hashem as they lent splendor to the Kohanim who wore them.  The Kohen serves as the spiritual mentor to Klal Yisrael.  His total demeanor, including his clothes, must reflect the lofty position he holds.  He teaches Torah, the code of Jewish Law authored by Hashem.  As the Almighty’s representative for disseminating His Torah, his mode of dress must reflect dignity, sanctity and splendor.  When the people  gaze upon the Kohanim donned in…

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Home -> 5758 -> Tetzaveh

Moshe Marcovich
In Tetzaveh, 5758

Now you shall command Bnei Yisrael…. (27:20)

Parashas Tetzave is the only parsha since Moshe’s birth  that does not mention his name explicitly.  Every mitzvah and command mentioned in the parsha, however,  is initiated with the word, “V’atah,”, “And you,” referring to Moshe.  Apparently, Moshe is the  prime focus of this parsha, although  his name is not recorded.  Why?  Chazal tell us that the curse of a tzaddik, even if it is contingent  upon specific conditions, takes effect despite the fact that  those conditions are not met.  When Moshe Rabbeinu entreated Hashem on behalf of Klal Yisrael after they sinned with the Eigal Ha’zahav, Golden Calf, he…

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