Shabbat Table Talk
Parashah Tetzaveh, Erev Shabbat 23rd February 2018
Week of 18th – 24th February 2018
Torah portion: Exodus 27:20 – 30:10 Haftarah 1Sam. 15:1-34
Parashah Tetzaveh (and you shall further instruct…) continues from Parashat Trumah, with Moshe receiving more commands from God on furnishing the tabernacle including the preparation of vestments and ordination of the ministering priests in it.
The parashah opens with the Israelites being commanded to continuously bring crushed or beaten, clear olive oil for kindling the light of the lamps, in the Tabernacle, which Aaron and his sons are to keep burning from evening to morning.
It is fascinating to note that keeping a constant light burning in the tabernacle becomes the first instruction that God asks of Moshe to command the people. It seems to resonate with “Let there be light” (Gen 1:3). Moshe and the people seemingly are invited into participating in the Divine mission of creating God’s sanctuary in the midst of them: Moshe delivering the instructions through God’s guidance, God’s people themselves contributing by bringing continuously that which is essential in making light come into existence, and the priests participating by attentively keeping the light burning throughout. All coming and working together for one purpose.
A whole section follows with detailed instructions on making vestments of finest materials, stones and gems, prepared by the skilful, translated as “wise of heart”, (Etz, p.505) for Aaron and his lineage serving as priests for God in the Tabernacle. Again another parallel is seen between the creation of the world and fashioning of the tabernacle. (Etz, p.504)
It is delightful to read how in fashioning vestments of priests that calls forth holiness, for the priest, somehow involves the gathering of the people who have been gifted by God with wisdom to create balance and harmony with the best of what the created world can offer, making everything come together as one and whole.
Central though it seems to the instructions given in the whole parashah is found in reading Ex 29:42-45. God’s instructions lead to simply preparing a place where the Divine Presence can rest in the midst of the chosen people. God prepares God’s own for a deepening of a relationship where one is found abiding with the other.
As the parashah closes, instructions for an altar for regular incense offering to God throughout the ages is given. The aroma of a burning incense cannot be contained, it spreads farther than where it is burnt. Could it be, then, a witnessing to the rest of the world of the uncontainable growing relationship between God and God’s own?
Reflection and Discussion: 1. How have you created a place for God in your life? 2. How have you grown daily in becoming attuned to God’s presence in and around you? 3. How has your growing relationship become a witnessing to all who come to know you?
Bibliography: Lieber ed. Etz Hayim Torah and Commentary, Travel ed. (JPS New York 2004).
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This week’s teaching commentary was prepared by
Sr. Weeyaa Villanueva, RNDM. Senegal, West Africa, Bat Kol Alumna 2010.
Email: weeyaavillanueva@gmail.com
[Copyright © 2018]
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PLEASE NOTE: The weekly Parashah commentaries represent the research and creative thought of their authors, and are meant to stimulate deeper thinking about the meaning of the Scriptures. While they draw upon the study methods and sources employed by the Bat Kol Institute, the views and conclusions expressed in these commentaries are solely those of their authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Bat Kol. The commentaries, along with all materials published on the Bat Kol website, are copyrighted by the writers, and are made available for personal and group study, and local church purposes. Permission needed for other purposes. Questions, comments and feedback are always welcome.
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Bat Kol Institute for Jewish Studies, Jerusalem
“Christians Studying the Bible within its Jewish milieu, using Jewish Sources.”
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