PARSHAS TETZAVEH
Can you figure out what each picture has to do with the parsha?
Rabbi Dani Staum
KEY to Parshas Tetzaveh Pix
Thumbs up – Part of the consecration/initiation process of the kohanim was placing some of the blood of one of the rams brought as a korban upon the thumbs of the kohanim’s right hands – 29:20 (Much of the second half of parshas Tetzaveh describes that process).
Headband with words Kodesh laHashem – The golden Tzitz – headband worn by the Kohain Gadol had the words Kodesh laHashem – Holy to G-d engraved into it – 28:36
Error of Judgement – The Choshen – chest-plate of the Kohain Gadol was called “the chest-plate of judgement” because it served as an atonement for when judges ruled incorrectly – 28:15 Rashi
Please knock before entering – The bottom of the Meil – robe of the Kohain Gadol had affixed to it golden bells and pomegranates. The bells would ring when the Kohain Gsadol walked signaling that he was approaching – 28:34-35
Golden bell & Golden Pomegranate – see previous note
Bull & Two rams – On the day of the inauguration of the Kohanim three offerings were brought – two rams and one bull – 29:1
Olive oil – The parsha opens with the mitzvah of lighting the menorah with olive oil – 27:20
Honor and Pride –The special clothing of the Kohanim and the Kohain Gadol were to be worn to bring honor and pride to the Kohanim – 28:2
Heart-wise – Those who made the clothing had to be wise of heart – 28:2
No Mention – From Parshas Shemos until the end of the Torah, there is no parsha that lacks numerous mentions of Moshe Rabbeinu, with the glaring exception of parshas Tetzaveh. Moshe’s name does not appear once throughout the parsha’s 101 pesukim. It is no coincidence that 7 Adar, the yahrtzeit of Moshe Rabbeinu falls out during the week when this parsha is read.
Mizbeiach Haketores – The only vessel not mentioned and described in parshas Terumah is the inner/golden Mizbeiach, upon which the ketores – incense was offered daily. It is curiously mentioned at the end of Teztaveh – 30:1-7
