B"H
Monday, Adar1 6, 5779 / February 11, 2019
In this week's Parsha, Tetzaveh, the Torah continues describing the articles required for the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).
Last week's Parsha, Terumah, dealt with the items needed to construct the Mishkan and its contents. This Parsha deals with the oil required for the Menorah (candelabra); The clothing that the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) and the regular Priest (Kohen) wore while serving in the Mishkan and Holy Temple. At the end of the Parsha the Torah describes the measurments of the golden altar in the Mishkan.
Parshat Tetzaveh begins; "And you [Moshe] shall command the children of Israel that they take to you pure olive oil, beaten for the light [of the menorah]."
Our sages explain that only the finest quality oil could be used for the seven lamps of the menorah. Therefore, only the first drop of oil squeezed out of each olive was used for the menorah.
The prophet Jeremiah compares the people of Israel to an olive; "A fresh olive, a fruit of beautiful shape did G-d call your name" (Jeremiah 11:15).
Our sages explain the parallel between the olive and the people of Israel as follows: The olive produces its oil only after being squeezed and pressed.
The same with the Jewish people; who, although they have continuously been exiled from place to place, suffered ill treatment and been squeezed at the hands of other nations, yet, have produced outstanding Torah scholars and great intellectuals in every field.
Another comparison: Mixed with other liquids, oil will eventually separate and rise to the top. So too, the Jewish people. No matter how hard the nations have tried to make us assimilate, the Jewish people have survived as a nation and as a people.
The lights of the Menorah which were kindled each day represent the Torah, as it is stated, "Torah is light". The Torah illuminates the darkness of the world and guides a person in the right path.
Just as the seven lights in the Menorah had to be lit every day, so, too, must every Jew light up each of the seven days of the week with the study of Torah and the observance of good deeds.
"Even a little light," say our sages, "pushes away much darkness." Our mission in life is to achieve and illuminate our sphere of influence with the light of G-dliness and morality.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
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