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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tetzaveh, 5770

“This is the matter that you shall do for them to sanctify them to minister for Me.” (29:1)

The Kohanim were to be consecrated by means of the rituals which the Torah is about to describe. It begins with a sacrifice service, as explained in Sefer Vayikra, which would atone for various indiscretions in human behavior. The word, “davar,” which is translated as “the matter” can also be rendered as “the word.” Rabbeinu Bachya infers that the Torah alludes to the time when there will no longer be a Sanctuary and a Mizbayach upon which to offer sacrifices. At that time, we must resort to “words” of Torah and prayer as our vehicle to seeking atonement and meriting…

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Home -> 5770 -> Tetzaveh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tetzaveh, 5770

“They shall make garments of sanctity for Aharon your brother and his sons, to minister to Me.” (28:4)

Should it not have used the plural “l’Kohanam” “that they shall minister to Me?” After all, the garments were being made for Aharon  and his  sons,  who  were  also  to  become Kohanim serving in the Mishkan together with their father. Horav Mordechai Gifter, z.l., posits that the Kehunah, Priesthood, which was granted to Aharon’s sons was an extension of Aharon, because they were “tafel”, secondary, to him. They made themselves insignificant and subordinate in regard to their father. He was the Kohen; they were his sons. They did not attribute any consequence to themselves. They were Kohanim only because they were his…

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Home -> 5770 -> Tetzaveh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tetzaveh, 5770

“You shall make vestments of sanctity for Aharon your brother, for glory and splendor.” (28:2)

One Friday night shortly after he arrived in America, the Satmar Rebbe, z.l., spoke to his chasidim about the significance of wearing the European garb: Shtreimel,  fur hat, and bekishah, long silk frock. During his talk, he cited the Ksav Sofer’s comment regarding the pasuk detailing Hashem’s instructions to make Priestly vestments for glory and splendor. He explained that during the time of the second Bais HaMikdash, there were Kohanim who did not measure up to the Priestly standard expected of them. They needed the special vestments to remind them of their exalted position and its concomitant responsibilities. There were,…

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Home -> 5770 -> Tetzaveh

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Tetzaveh, 5770

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

  The Midrash cites the pasuk in Yirmiyahu (11:16): “Hashem has called you a verdant olive tree.” Why did Yirmiyahu compare Klal Yisrael to an olive tree? The Midrash explains that while all drinkable liquids mix with one another, oil stands alone. Likewise, Klal Yisrael does not mix with other nations. In an alternative exegesis, the commentators suggest that when other liquids mingle one cannot tell which liquid is above and which is below. Oil, regardless of with what it is mixed, always rises to the top. So, too, when Klal Yisrael performs the will of the Almighty, they ascend…

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