Parshas Tetzaveh 5767

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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The portion continues the discussion about the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The menorah was lit each evening with enough oil to last until morning. The oil had to be so pure that only the first drop that was squeezed from the olive could be used for the menorah. The remaining oil could be used for the meal offerings.

The kohanim (priests) were instructed to wear special garments while doing their service. The Torah explains that the purpose of these garments was to bring honor and beauty to the service in the Mishkan. (The pants, however, were only for the purpose of modesty.) Since the kohain represents the nation in his service of G-d, it is important that he looks the part of a respectable person. Although the internal part of our being is most important, it is nonetheless difficult to respect a leader with a sloppy, unkempt appearance.

The Talmud makes a similar comment, that a Torah scholar who is found with a stain on his clothing is guilty of a grave offense. A person who represents Torah carries a great responsibility, and must be careful to leave a favorable impression in the eyes of others.

The Kohain Gadol (High Priest) had eight vestments made especially for him. These included a pair of linen pants, a linen checkered shirt, a linen turban, and an embroidered sash. Over the shirt, a blue, woolen, sleeveless robe called a Me’il was worn. On the bottom of the Me’il hung little blue woolen pomegranates and golden bells. The bells would tinkle in order to announce the Kohain Gadol’s entrance into the sanctuary. Over the Me’il he wore the Ephod, a type of apron with shoulder straps. It was woven from five different types of threads. A golden breastplate called the Choshen Mishpat was fastened to the Ephod. Twelve different jewels corresponding to the twelve tribes, were embedded in the Choshen. Each of the stones had the name of one of the tribes engraved on it. The eighth vestment was a golden headplate called a Tzitz. It was worn on the High Priest’s forehead.

The regular kohain only wore four vestments when he did the service in the Mishkan; a long shirt, pants, a sash and a hat.

Both the Kohain Gadol and the regular kohain had to wear their respective clothing in order to be able to perform the service. Performing the service in any civilian clothing besides the ones mentioned was considered a serious offense, as it showed disrespect for the position and for G-d.

“The Jews smote all their enemies with the sword... and they did to their enemies as they wished.” (Esther 9:5)

Once it says that they smote their enemies, why does it add that they did to them as they wished? Alshich answers with a parable.

A wealthy father had a minor son he loved dearly. On his deathbed he left instructions for the executor of his estate, “Give my son whatever you want, and the rest you can keep for yourself.” The greedy man kept 95% for himself, and gave 5% to the son.

The heartbroken son related his woes to the rabbinical court. They examined the will and realized the father’s intentions. “You must give the son 95%,” they told the executor. “The father wanted you to give the son whatever you want for yourself, which is 95%. The other 5% you may keep.”

The passage informs us that the Jews did to their enemies what the enemies wanted to do to them. G-d, too, judges man the way he judges others.

Did You Know...

When Purim falls on Sunday, Havdalah is generally recited after the Megillah reading, in order to postpone the complete ending of Shabbos. Although work is permissible after reciting the Havdalah in the evening service, or else after at least reciting the passage "Baruch Hamavdil bein kodesh l’chol", one may not eat or drink anything besides water until after reciting Havdalah on a cup of wine.

Purim morning, too, one should not eat until after listening to the Megillah reading. One should also try to fulfill the minimum obligations of sending Mishloach Manos, the food gifts, to at least one person, and the gifts to the poor before eating on Purim morning.