Parshat Tetzaveh; Exodus 27:20-29:10 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger
Since the Torah has described in detail the design of the Ohel Moedthe Tent of Meeting in last weeks portion, Terumah, it makes sense that this weeks parasha should begin with important components that have a role on the inside of the tabernacle.
Just as the opening words of creation began with the command Let there be light so too the light of the Tent of Meeting is important. The command to build and kindle the ner tamid, the eternal light in the tabernacle is also an important beginning. The glow of the eternal light symbolizes to all the ongoing presence of God. For a God one cannot not see nor can we pronounce Gods name, the symbolic meaning behind perpetual light shining forth from God home on earth among the People deepens the sacred nature of the tabernacle. The kindling of the perpetual lamp in this weeks portion, gives new meaning to the phrase, Let there be light, because interpreted here means Let there be God among us!
But yet another way to understand this portion is the juxtaposition of the command to kindle the ner tamid with the elevation and declaration of Aaron and his children as the priesthood. Their elevation to this sacred work is also a kind of kindling. Just as the light of the ner tamid is perpetual, so too is the line of the priesthood perpetual. Just as the light of the ner tamid announces God presence, the work of the priests and the sacrifices they offer bring Gods holy presence closer to the lives of the Israelites. Just as the lampstand, the golden menorah is part of the inner workings of the tabernacle, so too the priests are an integral part of the inner workings of the tabernacle. There is no illumination without either of them for the Children Israel.
This latter part of the parasha focuses on the priesthood, their elevation and ceremonies of ordination. It focuses on the design of their unique sacred costumes and the ways in which they must be set apart from the people at large. Thus their clothes and garb stands out, with musical bells sewn into the hems to warn people of their approach and perhaps too, to warn God of their approach. The priests wear special sashes, special crowns, and have special oracular utensils of the Urim and Thumim and Breastplate to help them with their sacred work. Not even the great Moses (who is not mention in this entire portion) has such unique fashion or holy instruments of guidance and interpretation.
While today we have no priests, the eternal light is still a part of every synagogue. It reminds us no less of Gods sacred presence. And while we no longer offer sacrifices in our worship of God and thus we need not have priests interpret for us, each and every Jew must come to learn and study our tradition. Today, Talmud Torah, the study of torah is our illumination and the way we can bring Gods presence ever nearer in our lives.
As Ben Bag Bag said in Pirke Avot: Turn it (the Torah) over and over.
This is our perpetual motion that will provide eternal illumination.
Posted by Lee at February 15, 2005 11:59 AM
