Tetzaveh

Hi,

Last week’s portion of Terumah dealt with the structure of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), in which the Jews worshipped Gd as they travelled through the desert.

This week’s portion of Tetzaveh gives a brief description of the oil used for the Menorah, and then focuses on the special uniform of the Kohanim. The Kohanim were those who carried out services in the Mishkan.

The portion describes eight garments, four of which were only worn by the Kohen Gadol (Head Kohen). All of the garments were woven from threads of dyed wool and linen, as well as gold.

The garments worn by every Kohen were:
Ketonet – A long shirt
Avnet – A belt
Mitznefet – A turbanesque hat
Michnasayim – A linen undergarment

The additional garments worn by the Kohen Gadol were:
Ephod – A vest
Choshen – A breastplate
Me’il – A long coat
Tzitz – A gold plate which fit on the forehead

The portion then details the process of dedicating the Kohanim to Gd. This week-long program prepared the Kohanim and dedicated their clothing.

The portion concludes with a description of one last piece of Mishkan equipment, the altar of the Ketoret (incense). This altar was located inside the Mishkan, and it was made of wood and coated with gold. It was smaller than the copper altar we discussed last week.

Be well,
Mordechai