When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week I learned about Tetzaveh (תְּצַוֶּה), the 20th weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings. This Shabbat, the Shabbat before Purim, is also known as Shabbat Zachor, recalling the unprovoked vicious attack by Amalek upon our people as we exited Egypt.
According to Wikipedia, Tetzaveh (תְּצַוֶּה), contains 5,430 Hebrew letters, 1,412 words, 101 verses and makes up 179 lines of a Torah scroll. Parashat Tetzaveh includes G-D’s instructions to Moses to appoint Aaron and his sons as priests. G-d details how to bring olive oil for the lamp and incense for the altar, how to make sacred garments for the priests, how to sanctify the priests and offer sacrifices during the seven days of inauguration in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and how to build the golden altar.
Rabbi Michael D. Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Tetzaveh for Shabbat March 8, 2025 aka 8 Adar I 5785:
“Many of us just finished watching the Oscars, a program dedicated to giving recognition to the talented actors and actresses, the producers, directors, writers, stage mangers, choreographers, makeup artists and other professionals who come together to synthesize the films that are judged to be superior by their peers. Much is said about the clothing worn by the stars and the gowns crafted and designed by the many famous fashion houses known worldwide. This week’s Torah portion also gives special attention to the clothing worn by the Kohain Gadol: the High Priest, and the many special vestments which were part and parcel of what was worn during the performance of the Priestly responsibilities.
Several essential differences: the gowns worn by the stars are strictly for show even though many may be copied throughout the fashion industry. Much like the costumes used in films, their presence emphasizes and enhances their role in the film. The garments of the Kohain Gadol were essential for the performance of the Rituals of sacrifice that kept Klal Yisroel always in connection with Hakadosh Baruch Hu. They were eternal and not to be copied or worn by anyone else. They consisted of such holy elements as the Breastplate which had 12 precious and semiprecious stones representing the 12 Tribes of Israel and the Urim and Thumim, which were contained inside the breastplate and were consulted whenever a question of Divine guidance was required.
Also included in this week’s Torah reading, is the special section reminding us of the attack by Amalek upon our people. Amalek calculated that we would be most vulnerable immediately upon receiving our freedom. Amalek is the eternal symbol of evil, like Hamas, which we must remember and grapple with in every generation. On the contrary, what transpires is the complete defeat of Amalek under the leadership of Moses and the protection of G-d. What most enemies of the Jewish people seem to forget is that G-d’s protection is ever present to those who devote themselves to practice and belief, even to the details of fashioning Holy garments for the High Priest! The 12 Stones of the Breastplate and the Urim (from the word for light) and the Thumim (from the word for simplicity and perfection) represent the protective Shechina of Hashem which was manifest in the garments and sacrifices of the Kohain Gadol. They were present not just for fashion, but as a way of representing G-d’s protective shield of the People of Israel for all times.
May the coming holiday of Purim remind us of our eternal dependence upon Hashem and also our desire and hard work of eliminating evil in the world thus bringing about the time of Moshiach. Amen.
Questions for Discussion:
- How does the special mention of Amalek connect throughout our history to be both remembered and not forgotten?
- Why is the olive oil used for the Ner Tamid of the highest quality both practically and spiritually?
- What is the Ner Tamid represent to all who enter the Sanctuary?
- What ceremony is performed to initiate the Kohain’s service in the sanctuary?”
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his smicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
This moment of Jewish learning is brought to you by the Florida Region of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs (FJMC). We serve the needs of affiliated Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods throughout the State of Florida. Learn more about the FJMC Florida Region and our growing network of Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods at: www.floridaregionfjmc.org and please visit & LIKE our Facebook Group at: www.facebook.com/FloridaRegionFJMC.
The FJMC is a confederation of over 200 Jewish Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods representing over 20,000 members across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and beyond. Learn how YOUR Jewish Men’s Club or Brotherhood can affiliate with the FJMC at: https://fjmc.org/for-clubs/affiliating-with-the-fjmc/.
About Post Author
