‘Parsha Growth Spurts’
Rabbi Dani Staum
Parshas Tetzaveh
“They shall take unto you pure beaten olive oil for the light” (27:20)
Rashi notes that only the oil for the Menorah needed to be processed from beaten olives. However, the oil used for the Menachos didn’t have to come from beaten olives.
Kesav Sofer explains that the light of the Menorah symbolized the light of Torah which one can only acquire through dedication, and relentless toil and effort. Therefore, the oil used for the Menorah had to come from olives that were crushed and beaten symbolizing the arduous process necessary for achieving greatness in Torah.
In physical endeavors however, success is not commensurate with one’s effort and investment, because that depends on siyata d’shmaya and mazal (see Shabbos 156a). Therefore, the oil used for a korban Mincha did not have to come from beaten olives.
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“You shall make the Mizbayach, for burning of incense…” (Shemos 30:1)
Every Jew strives to transform his home into a Mishkan. Rav Shimshon Pincus zt’l explained that each vessel in the Mishkan represents another integral component within a Jewish home.
The Outer Mizbayach was stationed outside the Sanctuary. It was there that most of the Avodah was performed, including shechting and sprinkling the blood of most korbanos. This symbolizes that most of a man’s work is performed outside his home.
The Shulchan symbolizes the Jewish table, which includes not only adherence to the laws of kashrus, but also the elevated manner in which a Jew eats. He recites a beracha before and after he eats, and eats with dignity and a sense of gratitude to his Creator. It is not only what he eats, but also HOW he eats.
The Menorah symbolizes the permeating light of Torah which casts an ethereal glow and elevates the entire home.
The Aron hidden in the Kodesh Kodashim symbolizes that in a home of tzenius and kedusha the shechina resides between husband and wife.
What about the Mizbayach HaKetores? What is its symbolism in the home?
The chief function of the Mizbayach HaKetores was for the burning of the incense which generated such a beautiful smell that a kallah in Yerushalayim did not have to wear perfume.
The ‘smell’ of the home is its atmosphere and the level of shalom bayis. One can enter a Torah home where there is strict punctiliousness to halacha, diligent Torah study, and adherence to Torah views, but there is palpable tension in the home. Such a home is not a complete Mishkan for it lacks a Mizbayach HaKetores.
Only in a home of ‘rayim ha’ahuvim – beloved friends’ is the Mizbayach HaKetores complete. Only in a home where shalom reigns does the shechinah feel ‘at home’.