B"H
Monday, Adar1- 10, 5784 / February 19, 2024
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 week’s Parsha deals with the oil required for the Menorah (candelabra) and the clothing that the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) and the regular Priest (Kohen) wore while serving in the Mishkan and Holy Temple. These clothing were an essential part of the service. If the Kohen didn’t wear his proper clothing his service was disqualified.
Parshat Tetzaveh begins; "And you [Moshe] shall command the children of Israel that bring 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).
Q.Why are the Jewish people compared to an olive?
A.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. Although we have continuously been exiled from place to place, suffered ill treatment, been squeezed, and beaten at the hands of other nations, we have produced outstanding Torah scholars and great intellectual minds in every field. Thus, the menorah, its oil and its lights represent the Jewish people who have illuminated and brough tight to the world.
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. No matter how low we felt at times, in the end, we rise to the top.
Also, 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, observance of mitzvot and good deeds.
"Even a little light," say our sages, "pushes away much darkness." Our mission in life is to accomplish and illuminate our sphere of influence with the light of G-dliness.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW