March 8, 2025
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
This week’s parsha, Parshat Tetzaveh, is all about the special mitzvot that Hashem gave to Bnei Yisrael while they were in the desert. Hashem tells Moshe to command the Jewish people to make pure olive oil to light the Menorah in the Mishkan. The Menorah must always be lit, showing Hashem’s presence and the light of Torah in our lives.
Hashem then commands Moshe to appoint his brother, Aharon, as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Aharon and his sons are chosen to serve Hashem in the Mishkan. To help them do this special job, Hashem gives detailed instructions about their clothing. The Kohanim’s clothing is different from regular clothes because it shows their honor and holiness.
The regular Kohanim wore 4 garments:
ONE BIG IDEA
Fromthe time of Moshe’s birth, Tetzaveh is the only parsha missing Moshe’s name. One reason is because when Hashem first appeared to Moshe at the burning bush, Mosheincorrectlydeclinedtobetheleader and recommended Aharon instead. Since Parshat Tetzaveh discusses the clothing of the Kohanim, this was the parsha chosen not to have Moshe’s name. Humility is a veryimportantcharactertrait,butitshould never hold you back from doing even greater things.
1. Avnet - A colorful sash around the waist
2. Ketonet - a long white shirt
3. Michnasayim - linen pants for modesty
4. Mitznefet - a special hat
The Kohen Gadol wore those same four garments and an additional 4 for a total of 8 special garments:
5. The Choshen - a square piece with 12 gems, one for each of the 12 tribes of Israel
6. The Ephod - a special robe with gold, blue, purple, and red threads
7. The Me'il - a robe with bells and pomegranates onthe bottom, making noise as the KohenGadol walked
8. The Tzitz - a golden band on the forehead with the words “Kodesh LaHashem” (holy to Hashem)
These garments reminded the Kohanim to always serve Hashem with respect and dignity.
Moshe brings Aharon and his sons to the Mishkan and prepares them with special korbanot (offerings) and anointing oil. Hashem teaches Moshe how to bring a Korban Tamid, a daily sacrifice brought every morning and afternoon, showing our constant connection to Hashem. Finally, Hashem describes the Gold Mizbeach (altar of incense). This small golden altar stood inside the Mishkan, where the Kohanim burned Ketoret (incense), a beautiful-smelling spice offering to Hashem.
Candle-lighting: 5:35pm
Havdalah: 6:31pm
allah: 5:25pm
PARSHA STATS
Mitzvot………………………….7 (4 Do’s, 3 Don’ts)
Lines in the Torah ..............179 (33rd most)
Pesukim .............................101 (35th most)
Words ................................1412 (35th most)
Letters................................5430 (32nd most)
Year(s)................................2449
(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
DID YOU KNOW…?
It’s important to think about what we wear so that we can dress modestly and respectfully, always keeping in mind where we are at any given time. There is a wellknown phrase, “Clothes make the man,” which some people say means that clothing is a way for people to express whothey are. Did you know that one of the first times that phrase appears is in the Shakespearean play Hamlet? “The apparel oft proclaims the man.”
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
I called to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
I went to ________________ shul (synagogue)
I did the Shabbat mitzvah of_______________
Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/Hamotzi/ Birkat Hamazon
Sang zemirot/songs
I wore __________________ in honor of Shabbat
I __________________________ in my home to prepare for Shabbat
Full Name: ______________________________
Class: __________________________________
Parent Signature:
QUESTIONS
1. What were the 4 garments that every Kohen wore?
2. In what year did the stories in this parsha happen?
3. Thought question: When is humility a good thing? When is it a bad thing?
4. What does “The apparel oft proclaims the man,” mean?
5. What is the Korban Tamid important?