Shemot

Tetzaveh - Parsha

In last week’s parsha we learned about the plans to build the Mishkan.

This week’s parsha is called Tetzaveh, which means to instruct or command.  Hashem picks who will work inside the Mishkan, just like we have Rabbis who work in our Shuls.  Hashem chose Aharon, Moshe’s brother, to be the Kohein gadol, the head priest.  Aharon is from the tribe of Levi and will serve in the Mishkan with his sons.

Hashem instructs Aharon what special clothing the Kohein Gadol is to wear.  Aharon and his son’s are to be very special leaders, so they will have very special clothing. Just like a king might wear a fancy robe and crown.

Hashem is very specific about what should be worn. A special hat with a golden headband, pants, a long shirt, a belt, an apron (an ephod), and a breastplate that hung around his neck with 12 beautiful, precious stones to represent the 12 sons (tribes) of Israel (Yisrael-Yaakov).