Erev Shabbat 28th March 2025
Week of 23—29 March 2025
Torah portion: Exodus 38:21-40:38, 12:1-20 Haftarah: Ezekiel. 45:16-46:18
Theme: Our proper disposition before the holy presence of God
In the book of Exodus chapter 39, verse 8, it is said “The breast piece was embroidered like the ephod, with gold thread; and violet, purple, and scarlet yarn on cloth of fine linen twined. It was square and folded double, a span high and a span wide in its folded form. Interestingly, it was commented on in “The TORAH: A Women’s Commentary” as follows: “The description of the breastpiece’s manufacture does not use the longer phrase “breastpiece of decision” (28:15, 29, 30), which indicates that the breastpiece plays a role in the judicial functions of the priesthood. Also missing from this passage is any mention of two associated items, the Urim and Thummim (see at 28:30), used by the priest to discern God’s will.”
     Now let us make the connection. The passage contains a preparation for handling and approaching the Tabernacle with such honor and sacredness, such as the detailed elaboration of such guidelines as mentioned in this passage. This elaboration means something important – it sends us further to the symbolism it holds. In this case the significance is clear as mentioned by the commentary.
Thus, the vestment of the priest, in my opinion, reflects the actions that must be taken by an individual before approaching the tabernacle or his state of being before the presence of God. This commentary highlights the capacity of man to judge and to discern the will of God. In our modern age, and as a Christian, this invites us to further contemplate how we approach God in our daily living. It questions our capacity to listen to the voice of justice inside us and around us. Notice that also in Exodus 25, verse 8 it is said “They are to make (prepare) a sanctuary for me, that I may dwell in their midst” The preparation is upon us; we are to make the dwelling for God. Therefore, it invokes our moral and ethical obligation to ourselves and to others, for only by the conscience of cleanliness and integrity is one able to receive or prostrate before the presence of God, whether it be our heart or the physical tabernacle.
For Reflection and Discussion: 1. Am I able to prepare myself before approaching the presence of my Lord? 2. Am I able to discern and judge the will of the Lord?
Bibliography: Eskenazi, T. C. Weiss, A.L. A Women’s Commentary (New York: 2008); McKenzie, J.L. Dictionary of the Bible (New York: 1965)
This week’s Parasha Commentary was prepared by
Jefferson Philip Jacob Reyes, France, Bat Kol Alumnus: 2018
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