This week’s parsha spends a great deal of time talking about the garments and appearance for the priests (Kohanim). Much of this refers to what should be done and worn in the tabernacle and then later in the temple. So other than a blueprint of what we need to do when there is another temple what is the lesson we can learn from this for today?
When it comes to being Jewish much of it is internal. But when it comes to Jewish community leadership this week’s parsha tells us that if we are to lead in the Jewish community it can not only be internal. We must “put on” on the outfit of a leader and be out there for all to see. For the Jewish community to be strong our leaders must be willing to publicly put on the responsibility of leadership and publicly commit to the responsibilities and behaviors. By having this outward communal commitment our leaders must act in accordance with our communal, Jewish values. And the lack of the mention of Moses in this parsha underscores that community leadership must be distributed throughout the community and that communal leadership and responsibility must go beyond one person.
By wearing the outfits they were making a visible commitment to their community and Judaism. This is a lesson that we need to remember today. When it comes to leading in our community the Torah reminds us that for us to truly lead and impact our community outside of ourselves we must put our responsibilities and commitments for the all to see that we are acting and accepting our commitment and role to being a leader in the Jewish community.
So while we may not have a tabernacle or temple to consider now we do have a community and a chance to lead with the lessons of this week’s portion in mind. Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Tetzaveh Summary from Torah.org
1st Aliya: The Parsha opens with the commandment to use pure olive oil in lighting the Menorah. Aharon and his four sons were selected to be the Kohanim. The basic garments of a Kohain consisted of a turban, shirt, pants, and belt. The Kohain Gadol wore four additional garments: the Me'ill - a long outer robe; the Ayphod - a quilted vest or bibbed apron; the Choshen - jeweled breastplate; and the Tzitz - engraved, golden, forehead plate. The quilted vest is described in this Aliya along with the two Shoham stones. These were engraved with the names of the 12 Tribes and set on the shoulders of the Kohain Gadol.
2nd Aliya: The cloth settings for the Shoham stones are described along with the jeweled breastplate. The method of fastening the breastplate to the quilted vest is explained. The breastplate was a quilted garment set with 12 stones, each engraved with the name of a Tribe.
3rd Aliya: The long outer robe is described. The hem of this garment was edged with small bells intended to announce the presence of the Kohain Gadol as he walked through the Bais Hamikdash. (From this the Gemara derives that a husband, prior to entering the door of his own home, out of respect for his wife, should announce his arrival by knocking on the door.) The engraved, golden forehead plate and the Kohain Gadol's turban are described, along with the four basic garments worn by all Kohanim. All the garments were hand made of the finest white linen. The special vestments of the Kohain Gadol were woven from a special thread spun from five different colored threads, including a thread made of pure gold.
4th, 5th, & 6th Aliyot: The seven day ceremony consecrating the Kohanim into their priestly service is detailed along with the consecration of the Mizbeach - Altar.
7th Aliya: The last vessel to be described is the inner, golden Altar, used to burn the daily incense offering. This offering, as well as the daily preparation for the lighting of the Menorah, could only be performed by the Kohain Gadol. The special mixture of incense called the Kitores, could only be formulated for this purpose. (The renowned biblical archeologist, Vendell Jones, claims to have unearthed a hidden cache containing 600 kilos of the Kitores, buried before the 1st Bais Hamikdash was destroyed.)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Terumah – 2.19.2010
A straight forward thought hit me this week when reading over the portion. We end last week with the crucial “we will do and we will try to understand” – as I said last week one of the central beliefs and concepts of Judaism. So then after that we jump into details for building the sanctuary or Mishkan.
Right away the Torah is telling us actions and building the central structure for worship. Now it clearly talks to us about how the action of worship is important. But I have always thought it also tells us an important lesson about community. The first thing we as a people must try to do to live up to our covenant is build an infrastructure that we can use to support our community. Much like our actions come before our understanding, we need infrastructure to create a community. It is something we should think about as we work and build our community. It is part of the formula for building and supporting our people as taught by our Torah. Just a simple thought that stood out to me this week.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Terumah Summary from Torah.org
A list of raw materials necessary for building the Mishkan was presented to the Bnai Yisroel: gold, silver, copper, wool dyed sky-blue, dark red, and crimson, linen, goats wool, ram skins, acacia wood, oil, spices, incense, and precious stones. The Ark is described in detail.
The cover of the Ark and the Cherubim are detailed. The weight of the cover alone, without the Cherubim, is between 150 lb. and 2500 lb. of pure gold! The Shulchan - Table and the Showbread are described.
The Menorah and her utensils are described. Her weight was 1 Talent = 3000 Shekels = 150 lb. of pure gold. The basic structure of the Mishkan, consisting of beams, decorative materials and leather coverings, is outlined.
The Paroches- dividing partition separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Mishkan is described.
The ramped, copper, Mizbeach is described. The outer enclosure surrounding the entire Mishkan is described.
Right away the Torah is telling us actions and building the central structure for worship. Now it clearly talks to us about how the action of worship is important. But I have always thought it also tells us an important lesson about community. The first thing we as a people must try to do to live up to our covenant is build an infrastructure that we can use to support our community. Much like our actions come before our understanding, we need infrastructure to create a community. It is something we should think about as we work and build our community. It is part of the formula for building and supporting our people as taught by our Torah. Just a simple thought that stood out to me this week.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Terumah Summary from Torah.org
A list of raw materials necessary for building the Mishkan was presented to the Bnai Yisroel: gold, silver, copper, wool dyed sky-blue, dark red, and crimson, linen, goats wool, ram skins, acacia wood, oil, spices, incense, and precious stones. The Ark is described in detail.
The cover of the Ark and the Cherubim are detailed. The weight of the cover alone, without the Cherubim, is between 150 lb. and 2500 lb. of pure gold! The Shulchan - Table and the Showbread are described.
The Menorah and her utensils are described. Her weight was 1 Talent = 3000 Shekels = 150 lb. of pure gold. The basic structure of the Mishkan, consisting of beams, decorative materials and leather coverings, is outlined.
The Paroches- dividing partition separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Mishkan is described.
The ramped, copper, Mizbeach is described. The outer enclosure surrounding the entire Mishkan is described.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Mishpatim – 2.12.2010
In this weeks parsha we begin the listing of commandments and details of the code that is the foundation of the Jewish people. And there are infinite issues that are covered that still have relevance today. In this week alone there are some of the very core of being Jewish today (holidays, Shabbat and the basic law of not eating milk with meat) as well as many of the social and behavioral laws such as lending money, personal damages and all sorts of social interactions and questions. This is where our Torah begins to lay out the details of the code that has been the core of our people’s identity for thousands of years. It is very exciting when you think about it.
But what has always inspired me is the Jewish people’s response to the call of heeding HaShem’s words. The people of Israel say “N’esay v’ N’ishma” or roughly translated “we will do then we will try to understand.” This formula is arguably the central operating formula of the Jewish people. Action and behavior is first and foremost. Belief without action is truly nothing. Judaism is a religion of (to quote Rabbi Goodman) “deed not creed.” And this difference is laid out in this amazing phrase.
But also it has a second part that is extremely important. Our commitment to HaShem not only requires us to “do” but also to “try to understand”. Understanding the underpinning of the commandments is also a part of the formula. But it does not require us to fully understand but only to “try”. This implies there is not a need to fully “know” but that does not relieve us from trying to understand. Perhaps it is from this concept that the rabbis have taught over the millennia that one of the questions asked in the afterlife is “did you make time to study and explore Torah?” which they always explained that the time and desire to try to learn was more impactful that fully understanding the Torah.
But we now have a powerful formula for success in Jewish life and being a light unto the nations; “Do” and “try to understand”. What is wonderful about our Torah is that in the same section where it begins to get “into the weeds” of commandments and codes it reminds us of the high level formula for our success as the chosen people. Let’s remember that it is our actions that define us, show the world our values and is where we learn.
We should do and try to understand. It is where we have been for thousands of years as a people and where we should always start every day.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Mishpatim Summary from Torah.org
The following Aliya summary will list the numerous laws detailed in Parshas Mishpatim.
A total of 53 Mitzvot are commanded. Relating to:
The Jewish slave, Jewish maidservant, manslaughter, murder, injuring a parent, kidnapping, cursing a parent. Killing of slaves, personal damages, injury to slaves, the killer ox, a hole in the ground, damage by goring, penalties for stealing. Damage by grazing, damage by fire, the unpaid custodian, the paid custodian, the borrowed article, seduction, occult practices, idolatry and oppression, lending money. Accepting authority, justice, strayed animals, the fallen animal. Justice, the Shmitah (7th) year, Shabbos, Pesach, Shavous, Succos, prohibition against milk and meat.
Hashem (G-d) instructed the nation to respect the authority of His messengers, the Prophets and Rabbis. He promised to chase out the seven nations who inhabited Canaan and forewarned us against making a treaty of peace with them, or being influenced by their practices and values.
Hashem stated the means by which the seven nations would be chased out of Israel, and promised that if we do as instructed no woman would miscarry. The borders of Eretz Yisroel (The Land of Israel) were defined. The conclusion of the Parsha returns to the aftermath of Revelation. Moshe built an altar, offered a sacrifice, and in 24:7 the nation proclaimed "we will first obey Hashem's commands and then attempt to understand". Moshe, Aharon, Nadav, Avihu, and the 70 elders have a shared vision in 24:10 and then Moshe is told to ascend Sinai where he would remain for 40 days and nights.
But what has always inspired me is the Jewish people’s response to the call of heeding HaShem’s words. The people of Israel say “N’esay v’ N’ishma” or roughly translated “we will do then we will try to understand.” This formula is arguably the central operating formula of the Jewish people. Action and behavior is first and foremost. Belief without action is truly nothing. Judaism is a religion of (to quote Rabbi Goodman) “deed not creed.” And this difference is laid out in this amazing phrase.
But also it has a second part that is extremely important. Our commitment to HaShem not only requires us to “do” but also to “try to understand”. Understanding the underpinning of the commandments is also a part of the formula. But it does not require us to fully understand but only to “try”. This implies there is not a need to fully “know” but that does not relieve us from trying to understand. Perhaps it is from this concept that the rabbis have taught over the millennia that one of the questions asked in the afterlife is “did you make time to study and explore Torah?” which they always explained that the time and desire to try to learn was more impactful that fully understanding the Torah.
But we now have a powerful formula for success in Jewish life and being a light unto the nations; “Do” and “try to understand”. What is wonderful about our Torah is that in the same section where it begins to get “into the weeds” of commandments and codes it reminds us of the high level formula for our success as the chosen people. Let’s remember that it is our actions that define us, show the world our values and is where we learn.
We should do and try to understand. It is where we have been for thousands of years as a people and where we should always start every day.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Mishpatim Summary from Torah.org
The following Aliya summary will list the numerous laws detailed in Parshas Mishpatim.
A total of 53 Mitzvot are commanded. Relating to:
The Jewish slave, Jewish maidservant, manslaughter, murder, injuring a parent, kidnapping, cursing a parent. Killing of slaves, personal damages, injury to slaves, the killer ox, a hole in the ground, damage by goring, penalties for stealing. Damage by grazing, damage by fire, the unpaid custodian, the paid custodian, the borrowed article, seduction, occult practices, idolatry and oppression, lending money. Accepting authority, justice, strayed animals, the fallen animal. Justice, the Shmitah (7th) year, Shabbos, Pesach, Shavous, Succos, prohibition against milk and meat.
Hashem (G-d) instructed the nation to respect the authority of His messengers, the Prophets and Rabbis. He promised to chase out the seven nations who inhabited Canaan and forewarned us against making a treaty of peace with them, or being influenced by their practices and values.
Hashem stated the means by which the seven nations would be chased out of Israel, and promised that if we do as instructed no woman would miscarry. The borders of Eretz Yisroel (The Land of Israel) were defined. The conclusion of the Parsha returns to the aftermath of Revelation. Moshe built an altar, offered a sacrifice, and in 24:7 the nation proclaimed "we will first obey Hashem's commands and then attempt to understand". Moshe, Aharon, Nadav, Avihu, and the 70 elders have a shared vision in 24:10 and then Moshe is told to ascend Sinai where he would remain for 40 days and nights.
Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Yitro – 2.5.2010
This weeks parsha has two very telling – albeit very different – stories. One about the administrative process of running the Jewish people and then after that we finally have delivery of the ten commandments and the code of Jewish ethics that we have been as a people walking towards since Abraham accepted HaShem’s directive.
So the first story is about how Moshe is overwhelmed with the burden of being the sole leader of the Jewish people. His father in law suggests that he finds leaders from all of the tribes to take on some of the responsibilities of judging and administrating affairs and leaving Moshe to deal with the larger and more complex issues. Yitro not only performs the job of being of the world’s first (if not the first) organizational design consultant but he also sets up a concept of accountability for the Jewish people. He teaches the Jews (and Moshe) that in order to continue to grow and evolve they must have the freedom to administer their own affairs. One of the great challenges of leadership is the balance between control and accountability. You cannot have both at the same time. Moshe had to relinquish control and give some power to his people and other leaders for the them to be accountable and grow.
It is not insignificant that this story precedes the second story. The second story is the seminal moment for the Jewish people, the receiving of the Ten Commandments, the foundation of our ethical code. In order to be able to receive this gift we as a people had to have the freedom (or at least the beginnings of it) to be accountable for our actions and acceptance of the commandments. The Israel response of "all that Hashem will command we will do." Is meaningless if it comes from a people who cannot make daily decisions or do not even have the option to do so.
Until the people and leaders of the Jewish people learned that they had to have the ability to make their own judgments and decisions we were not able to fully receive the Ten Commandments, our Jewish code and be able to act out our destiny and position as a light unto the nation. It is a central component of our ability to be Jewish and to take the Ten Commandments and their message to the world. And this lesson is as true today as it was at Mt. Sinai.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Yitro Summary from Torah.org
Yitro brings Moshe's wife and two sons to join him in the desert. In 18:10, Yitro proclaims his belief in Hashem (G-d) and identifies His manifest justice as the primary motive for his belief and conversion.
Yitro observes Moshe's daily schedule as chief administrator, judge, and teacher. He advises his son-in-law to delegate some responsibilities to a hierarchy of worthy judges and administrators. This would allow Moshe to focus his attention on those issues that demand his specific attention. Moshe listens to Yitro's advice.
This begins the preparation for Revelation. It is the 1st day of Sivan, and the Bnai Yitroel have been in the desert for 43 days. Moshe is told by Hashem to explain to the nation that they are a "kingdom of priests..."
Moshe tells the nation of G-d's expectations and they respond, "all that Hashem will command we will do." Moshe is further instructed to tell the people to prepare themselves by immersing themselves and their clothing in a Mikveh, and to remain apart form their spouses for 3 days. Mt. Sinai is to be fenced off so that no person or animal could ascend the mountain until the shofar sounded the conclusion of Revelation. On the 3rd day, Revelation began with lightning, thunder, the sounding of a Shofar, and Mt. Sinai completely engulfed in clouds, smoke, and fire. Moshe led the nation to assemble at the foot of a trembling Mt.Sinai.
Hashem summoned Moshe to ascend the mountain and instructed him to re-emphasize the prohibition against anyone ascending the mountain during Revelation. Moshe descends and discharges G-d's wishes. With Moshe standing among the people at the foot of the mountain, Hashem spoke the Ten Commandments to the entire people.
This last Aliya describes the reaction of the nation to Revelation. In 20:19, the Pasuk factually states that the Bnai Yitroel (Jewish Nation) collectively heard G-d speak. It is among the most fundamentally important statements in the entire Torah. The Parsha concludes with the three commandments regarding the Mizbeach (Altar).
So the first story is about how Moshe is overwhelmed with the burden of being the sole leader of the Jewish people. His father in law suggests that he finds leaders from all of the tribes to take on some of the responsibilities of judging and administrating affairs and leaving Moshe to deal with the larger and more complex issues. Yitro not only performs the job of being of the world’s first (if not the first) organizational design consultant but he also sets up a concept of accountability for the Jewish people. He teaches the Jews (and Moshe) that in order to continue to grow and evolve they must have the freedom to administer their own affairs. One of the great challenges of leadership is the balance between control and accountability. You cannot have both at the same time. Moshe had to relinquish control and give some power to his people and other leaders for the them to be accountable and grow.
It is not insignificant that this story precedes the second story. The second story is the seminal moment for the Jewish people, the receiving of the Ten Commandments, the foundation of our ethical code. In order to be able to receive this gift we as a people had to have the freedom (or at least the beginnings of it) to be accountable for our actions and acceptance of the commandments. The Israel response of "all that Hashem will command we will do." Is meaningless if it comes from a people who cannot make daily decisions or do not even have the option to do so.
Until the people and leaders of the Jewish people learned that they had to have the ability to make their own judgments and decisions we were not able to fully receive the Ten Commandments, our Jewish code and be able to act out our destiny and position as a light unto the nation. It is a central component of our ability to be Jewish and to take the Ten Commandments and their message to the world. And this lesson is as true today as it was at Mt. Sinai.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshas Yitro Summary from Torah.org
Yitro brings Moshe's wife and two sons to join him in the desert. In 18:10, Yitro proclaims his belief in Hashem (G-d) and identifies His manifest justice as the primary motive for his belief and conversion.
Yitro observes Moshe's daily schedule as chief administrator, judge, and teacher. He advises his son-in-law to delegate some responsibilities to a hierarchy of worthy judges and administrators. This would allow Moshe to focus his attention on those issues that demand his specific attention. Moshe listens to Yitro's advice.
This begins the preparation for Revelation. It is the 1st day of Sivan, and the Bnai Yitroel have been in the desert for 43 days. Moshe is told by Hashem to explain to the nation that they are a "kingdom of priests..."
Moshe tells the nation of G-d's expectations and they respond, "all that Hashem will command we will do." Moshe is further instructed to tell the people to prepare themselves by immersing themselves and their clothing in a Mikveh, and to remain apart form their spouses for 3 days. Mt. Sinai is to be fenced off so that no person or animal could ascend the mountain until the shofar sounded the conclusion of Revelation. On the 3rd day, Revelation began with lightning, thunder, the sounding of a Shofar, and Mt. Sinai completely engulfed in clouds, smoke, and fire. Moshe led the nation to assemble at the foot of a trembling Mt.Sinai.
Hashem summoned Moshe to ascend the mountain and instructed him to re-emphasize the prohibition against anyone ascending the mountain during Revelation. Moshe descends and discharges G-d's wishes. With Moshe standing among the people at the foot of the mountain, Hashem spoke the Ten Commandments to the entire people.
This last Aliya describes the reaction of the nation to Revelation. In 20:19, the Pasuk factually states that the Bnai Yitroel (Jewish Nation) collectively heard G-d speak. It is among the most fundamentally important statements in the entire Torah. The Parsha concludes with the three commandments regarding the Mizbeach (Altar).
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