The Priest’s Brother

Feb 23, 2002 By Matthew Berkowitz | Commentary | Tetzavveh

Parashat T’tzavveh describes the positions of priests and the high priest (cohen gadol), the clothing of their office and their initiation ceremony, complete with sacrifices and incense. Nechama Leibowitz points out an unusual feature of the parasha: Moses’ name does not appear once. He appears indirectly, as God says, “You yourself, speak to all the wise–hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him…” (Exodus 18:3). But even in the first phrase of the parasha, which so often reads, “And God spoke to Moses, saying…,” in T’tzavveh we read only, “And you yourself shall command the children of Israel (ve ata, tetzaveh et bnei Israel) that they bring you pure olive oil, beaten, for light, to burn a perpetual light” (Exodus 27:20).

A Kingdom of Priests

Feb 23, 2002 By Melissa Crespy | Commentary | Tetzavveh

Upon meeting non-Jews who are unfamiliar with what a rabbi is, I often tell them my role is somewhat akin to the role of a priest or a minister in the Christian tradition. But the truth is, there are significant differences between rabbis and priests. While rabbis often “officiate” at life cycle and worship ceremonies, Judaism does not require them to perform these rites. Whereas, in the Catholic church, priests are often the only ones who can perform life cycle and worship ceremonies, known as sacraments.

Wearing the Crowns of Heaven

Feb 27, 1999 By Ismar Schorsch | Commentary | Tetzavveh | Purim

Many a busy street corner of Manhattan has served on occasion as the stump of a preacher who speaks in the name of God. With the countdown to the millennium, the scene will only occur with greater frequency. Yet most passersby don’t tarry for a moment. The mere claim to revelation carries no weight.

The Necessity of Inclusion

Feb 15, 2003 By Joshua Heller | Commentary | Tetzavveh

The latter part of the book of Exodus describes the construction of the Mishkan, the portable tabernacle that served as the focus of God’s presence during the Israelites’ wanderings in the desert and beyond. These sections are characterized by a love of regularity and order. The same carefully selected few carry out the same intricately prescribed rituals the same way each day, using sacred objects, which have been standardized down to the last detail. Each aspect is described twice, first as God commands Moses, and then in its actual implementation, which matches the plans almost to the letter. In contrast, extemporaneous religious expressions, like the Golden Calf, are hazardous at best. There is no room for the novel amid the routine.

Why Jews Light Candles

Feb 19, 2005 By Ismar Schorsch | Commentary | Tetzavveh

Judaism is hard to imagine without candles.

How We Wear Our Judaism

Apr 6, 2004 By Lewis Warshauer | Commentary | Shabbat Zakhor | Tetzavveh | Purim

The more we know about animals, the more they seem to have what we consider to be human capabilities. Beavers build dams and porpoises communicate in sophisticated ways, while apes use tools and may even reason on some level. But, human beings are the only species to make their own clothes. The wasp’s nest has no garment district.

What God Wants From Us

Apr 7, 2009 By Benjamin D. Sommer | Commentary | Tetzavveh

What is the book of Exodus about? At first glance, the answer seems easy. As the English title states, it tells the story of the exodus from Egypt, the story of how God rescued the Israelites from slavery by defeating Pharaoh and his armies. A second glance, however, shows that this answer cannot be right.

What We Are Asked to Remember

Mar 11, 2006 By JTS Alumni | Commentary | Shabbat Zakhor | Tetzavveh

By Rabbi Yehoshua Aizenberg

Two Sabbaths ago, we celebrated Shabbat Shekalim, the first of four special Sabbaths preceding Pesah. This coming Shabbat, Shabbat Zachor, always comes right before the Purim celebration.