Tetzaveh 2023
Isaac’s Parsha Corner · 2023
A Light of Many Colors
Most of Parshat Tetzaveh is about the preparation of the Kohanim for their service in the Mishkan. The Parsha details the special garments to be worn by the Kohanim and the elaborate consecration ceremony that prepared Aaron and his sons. The final section is about the golden altar, its materials, measurements, placement in the Mishkan, and it’s use. (To burn incense). At very beginning of the Parsha are two Pesukim about the Menorah:
“And you shall command the Children of Israel that they should bring to you pure pressed olive oil for purposes of lighting. The oil is to be used to light an eternal lamp – “Ner Tamid”. It shall be in the tent of gathering, outside the curtain which covers the door to the “testimony” (the Aron). Aaron and his sons shall prepare it so that it lasts from evening to morning before God. It shall be a law forever through your generations from the Children of Israel”. (Ex 27:20-21)
The problem with this section is that it does not belong here. It should have been placed immediately following the description of the Menorah in last week’s Parsha. There immediately following each vessel, a short description is offered as to its use. For the Aron “I will speak to you from on the Kapores from between the two Cherubs which were on the Aron and teach you what to say to the Children of Israel”. For the Shulchan: “And you shall place Show Bread on the table continuously. (Tamid)” (The Copper Altar was obviously for sacrifices and therefore needed no description) The Golden Altar is described in detail and then its use is reported: “And Aaron shall burn incense each morning when he cleans out the candles. And when Aaron lights the candles, he should also burn the incense.”
Also, why does God tell Moshe to make a special request for Olive oil? Aren’t all communal requirements in the Mishkan from communal funds? Isn’t this already covered back at the beginning of Parshat Trumah, “(Tell them to bring) Olive oil for the lighting!” (Ex 25:6)
Also, the term “Tamid- Continuously, contradicts the term “From evening till morning” which means only at night and not continuously. This difficulty is dealt with by Rashi, “This “Tamid” unlike the Show Bread is each and every day like the Daily communal and Kohen Gadol’s sacrifices which all are described as Tamid but were really just daily. Tamid here means every day even on Shabbat and even if there is defilement (Tumah) in the Temple.” (Rashi)
That is ok but then what does the Pasuk mean when it says “a law forever for all generations.”? The law of the menorah can only be in effect when there is a Mikdash and not “Forever”.
“Although, as a result of our sins, we don’t have a Holy Temple, behold the Shuls and The Study Halls. Any person who lights the lights in the shuls and study halls will merit kingship in his family.” (Midrash Hagadol ibid) This Midrash extends the holiness of the sanctuary into our own Shuls and Study Halls, calling them “Mini Holy Sanctuaries”. (Mikdash Me-aht) The Ner Tamid (everlasting lamp) that is found in our shuls can be traced back to this Midrash.
“Tetzaveh” in Gematria (numerology) is the same as “Nashim” (Women) a subtle hint to Shabbos candles. (Baal Haturim ibid). This could also be the meaning of “Forever for all generations” and of “Tamid”. The relationship of Shabbos to Mikdash is thereby extended beyond the thirty-nine categories of prohibited activities (Shamor) into the area of positive commandments (Zachor).
“When Aaron was pained that his tribe was excluded from providing an offering alongside the gifts of the Nesiyim at the Mishkan consecration, God explained to him that he lights the Menorah every day thereby consecrating the holy Mishkan each and every day.” (Tanchumah – Tetzaveh) The Ramban understands this to mean Chanukah candles.
“Behold you are beautiful your eyes are like doves” (Shir Hashirim 4:1) You are like the dove who brought the olive branch to Noah thereby introducing light into a then darkened world. You also bring light into the world with your good deeds. Therefor I command you to bring pure olive oil to light the Menorah. (Vayikrah Rabah 38:10)
In these many examples the Menorah and its light eclipses and goes beyond that of the Mishkan. That is why it is separated from the actual Menorah described in Parshat Trumah. It indeed produced a light of “Many Colors”.
Shabbat Shalom!