Shemot

Tetzaveh - Family Discussion

In parsha Tetzaveh we learn about the Kohain gadol (the head priest) of the Mishkan.  Hashem picked Aharon (Moshe’s brother) to be the person to take care of the Mishkan and to be the head priest.  Aharon is from the tribe of Levi.

Hashem tells Moshe exactly what the Kohain gadol must wear.  His clothing will be very special, just like a king wears a special robe and crown.  Aharon will wear 8 different pieces of clothing: a hat with a headband, pants, a shirt, a coat and belt, an apron (ephod) and a breastplate (like we hang on our Torahs today).  The breastplate will have 12 precious stones on it to represent the 12 tribes of Yisrael (Yaakov’s 12 sons).  We are told that the Kohain gadol will bless the people (we still do this today; it is called duchining and is done during certain holidays throughout the year).  Hashem also instructs that we have a Ner Tamid (an eternal flame) in the Mishkan (something most synagogues also still use today).

Family Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think Aharon was chosen to be the Kohain gadol?
2. How many pieces of clothing will Aharon wear?  (8)
3. Why are there 12 stones on the breastplate? (The 12 Tribes of Yisrael)