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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…

Rashi explains that a two-stage process was necessary to prepare the olive oil. The olives were first crushed to express the first oil, which was required for lighting the menorah. They were then ground up to extract additional oil, which could be used for the menachos, meal offerings, but was not suitable for the menorah. This is consistent with the Talmud in Menachos 86a which states, “Crushed oil is required for the menorah, but crushed oil is not required for the menachos.” This halacha carries with it a simple, but profound, lesson. Horav Eliyahu Meir Kovner z.l., suggests that the…

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…