Reflections from Rabbi Ellis

This week’s Parsha is the eighth Parsha in the second book of the Torah Shmote - Exodus. We are now deep in the second half of the book, we have been speaking about the Mishkan, the traveling temple, and continue to speak about it. Last week we spoke about the basic structure of the Mishkan, the curtains, walls and furniture. This week we continue to speak about the Mishkan but our focus shifts from the structure to the servants. Though our Parsha is similar in style and theme to the previous Parsha there is a shift of focus in our Parsha that gives us unique insight to what specifically the Mishkan was and how it operated.

The focus of this week’s Parsha from start to finish is Aharon and his sons, the Cohanim. They are not always the subject addressed, but everything described in our Parsha is essential for their service. Like last week’s Parsha, Tetzave is quite technical and detailed. It’s nearly impossible to learn this week’s Parsha without pictures, or at least paper and pencil to make drawings with.

Everytime I read this part of the Torah I am amazed and in awe at the beauty, majesty and mystery of our Mishkan. I was always jealous as well, I am not a Cohen and so this is the closest that I will ever come to the place, items and procedures described here. I could see it in my mind, but always wanted to see it with my eyes. G!d has no need to tell us what his innermost chambers look like, what his servants wear or how they serve him. In fact, in doing so he and the Cohanim lose a great deal of power over us. Controlling access to secret wisdom and power is the way that cults and religions have kept power for all of human history. Here not only is G!d telling us what the inner sanctum of his sanctuary looks like, he is telling us exactly what happens there. Why, because he wants us there with him.

The Mishkan had to limit who entered into and what they did there in order to make sure that all the ceremonies were performed properly. It existed in a specific time and place, but the Torah’s account of the Mishkan is forever. Each of us can build, inhabit and serve in the Mishkan that we create in our heart and imagination. This week’s Parsha tells us, the readers, to make this space and to put on the garments of the Kohen Hagadole. G!d’s detailed instruction about the clothing, dedication and duties of the Cohanim in our Parsha are an invitation to us. By reading and creating this world in our minds we are creating a world where we can serve, be close to and create a resting place for G!d. The ultimate goal of Judaism is to help us cultivate a relationship with and connection to G!d. This week we learn how to create a place inside of ourselves dedicated to that connection.

Shabbat Shalom!