My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) - Tetzaveh
Posted by Daniel M. Kimmel on February 13, 2008 | Tags: Tetzaveh
Parshah Tetzaveh is one of those sections where your eyes may glaze over as it spells out in detail the decorations and accoutrements of the Tabernacle. Sometimes you have to dig deep to find something of relevance to today. In fashioning the priestly robes, we learn that on the shoulder pieces of Aaron’s garb, he will have the names of the Israelite people (Exod. 28:12), meaning the names of each of the tribes. The symbolism is strong. Whenever Aaron (or his successor) acts, he will have on his person a remembrance that he is acting for ALL the Israelites, and not favoring one tribe over another. As we slog our way through American presidential politics -- where this candidate appeals to this group and that one has the backing of that – the contrast is striking. The High Priest is never allowed to forget that all Israel is part of his “coalition.” He can’t be priest for just some of the people.
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Daniel M. KimmelJoined: October 2, 2007 Daniel M. Kimmel is a Boston area film critic, lecturer and author. He does these weekly mini-lessons for the Mishkan Tefila Brotherhood's newsletter. You are free to use them for similar purposes. Divrei Torah (117) |
