Righteous Judgement

T’tzaveh

Ex. 27:20-30:10

 

Précis: The parasha continues with a description of ritual items in the Tabernacle, including oil for the lamp, priestly clothing, the ephod, breastplate, robes, plate, and miter. Aaron and his sons, Nadab, Abihu, Eliezer and Ithamar are designated as Priests and are consecrated with sacrifices and ceremony. The parasha concludes with a description of the daily sacrifices and incense to be offered at the Tabernacle.

 

Ex. 28:17 “And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row.”

This verse starts the discussion of the 12 gems found on the “breastpiece of decision (or justice)” (hoshen mishpat) worn over the heart by the High Priest. The 12 stones, each inscribed with a tribe's name, symbolized both the unity and diversity of the People and reminded the high priest to intercede for all the tribes collectively. This priestly accoutrement seems to have been a cloth folded over to form a kind of pouch holding the “urim” and “thummim” (a pair of stones used to seek Divine guidance for particularly difficult decisions).

As suggested in Etz Hayyim, the stones were of various colors, representing differing stages of human existence. They could be considered part of a spectrum, from mere survival to a full human existence filled with moral and ethical behavior. When the priest wore all of the colors together, it was a reminder that he represented all of the individuals within the Jewish People, regardless of circumstance.

The breastplate and the use of the “urim” and “thummim” once emphasized the role of the high priest as a bridge between God and God’s People, but the practice ended long ago, most probably with the destruction of the First Temple (Ez. 2:63). Today it serves as a continuing symbol of the importance of the need for righteous judgment by the leadership of Israel. 

A Single Piece

T’rumah

Ex. 25:1-27:19

Précis: As the Israelites continue their journey through the wilderness, God tells Moses to ask the people for gifts to build the Tabernacle. “T’rumah” (voluntary donations) of fine metals, yarns, skins, and woods are offered by the People. God gives Moses precise instructions as to the interior and exterior construction of the Mishkan (tabernacle). Specific items include an altar for burnt offerings, a curtain (parochet) to separate the main room from an inner sanctum, elaborate candlesticks, incense burners, and other tools. There will be a special Ark to be placed in an area called the Holy of Holies to house the tablets of the Ten Commandments. Precise measures are given for all spaces as well as specific materials designated for the composition of the Mishkan.

 

Ex 25:31 “Make a lampstand of pure gold. The whole lampstand, including its decorative flowers, must be made from a single piece of hammered gold.”

 

My friend Shlomo Ressler has written an interesting d’var about the fabrication of the Menorah (Weekly D’var, 2/26/25). He notes that most of the objects connected to the Mishkan were made of multiple parts, including the Ark itself. Why, then, must the Menorah be created out of a single block of gold?

            Observing that the Menorah had seven separate branches, he cites authority suggesting that each of the seven branches of the Menorah branch represents a different segment of the Jewish People, and that the ornaments on each branch represent different understandings of Torah. Each branch and each ornament contribute in its own way to a single illumination of the world. We are all different, but we are also made of a single piece of hammered gold. When we remember our common origin, we can remain united and strong.