The Soul's Garments: Lessons from Parashat Tetzaveh

Good morning, everyone!

This special message comes to you from Yerushalayim, where we've recently arrived. As it says in Tehillim, "Ahaztani b'yad yemini" (You have held me by my right hand), we feel Hashem's guidance and special love at every step, even through challenges. We are truly grateful.

Lighting Our Inner Mishkan: The Purest Oil

Last week, in Parashat Terumah, Hashem promised that if we build a sanctuary (Mishkan), "Shechanti b'tocham" – "I will reside among each and every one of you." This teaches us to create a personal, spiritual Mishkan within our hearts daily.

Hashem's presence in the Mishkan was revealed threefold:

1. Kodesh HaKodashim: The Holy of Holies, where the cloud of the Shechinah descended, and Hashem spoke to Moshe from above the Aron Kodesh.

2. Ohel Moed: The Tent of Meeting, containing the Menorah, Shulchan (table), and golden Mizbeach (altar).

This week's Parasha, Tetzaveh, commands us to light an eternal flame (Ner Tamid) in the Mishkan. Six flames would be extinguished each morning, but the Westernmost light (Ner Ma'aravi) burned continuously, day and night.

This eternal light, mentioned specifically in Tetzaveh, signifies the start of the special Avodah (service) in the Mishkan. Hashem declared that the shining Menorah would be the sign of His presence among Bnei Yisrael.

The Olive Oil Lesson: The Menorah was lit with pure, pressed olive oil (Shemen Zayit Zach Katit). Chazal teach an interesting paradox:

• Eating Olives: Can lead to forgetfulness in learning, as it requires no effort.

• Olive Oil: Helps retain learning.

What's the difference?

• Effortless vs. Effort: Things acquired without effort are easily lost. However, producing olive oil requires intense effort, pressing, and dedication.

• Lighting the Neshama: Just as a light dispels darkness, our Neshama (soul) illuminates the world. To achieve this, we must invest effort in our actions, learning, and personal growth. It will be challenging, even painful ("katit"), but by persevering and trusting in Hashem, we "brighten up the world around us."

Clothing the Neshama: The Dignity of Holiness

How do we achieve this goal of making the world better? Hashem instructs Moshe to command skilled artisans to prepare special holy garments (Bigdei Kodesh) for the Kohanim, especially the Kohen Gadol. While regular Kohanim wore simple white, the Kohen Gadol wore eight splendid garments woven with threads of purple, red, and gold, signifying "lekavod u'le'tiferet" (for honor and for splendor).

• Inspiring awe: These magnificent clothes were meant to awaken spiritual thoughts in those who witnessed them.

• Covering the Soul: Just as Adam HaRishon had to cover his body after sinning, our Neshama, when it descends to this world, needs to be "clothed" spiritually in a dignified way.

• Kavanah in Creation: The materials for these garments were donated with Kavanah (intention) and Kedusha (holiness), emphasizing that all our actions should be performed with purpose and purity.

Symbolism in the Garments:

• Linen (White): Symbolizes purity.

• Techelet (Blue): The color of the sea and sky, representing striving for higher spiritual ambitions and looking towards Heaven.

• Gold: Symbolizes purity and firmness in our principles.

Our outer appearance influences our inner state. Dressing with dignity represents our role as Hashem's representatives on Earth. Similarly, we must strive to clothe our Neshama with purity, firmness, and the aspiration for holiness.

Atonement Through Action: The Kohen Gadol's Garments

Just as sacrifices (Korbanot) brought atonement, the Kohen Gadol's garments also provided Kapara for Klal Yisrael.

• The Meil (Robe) and Lashon Hara: The blue robe with bells and pomegranates reminded the Kohen Gadol to be mindful of every word he uttered. Its blue color, reflecting the heavens, taught that when we look at a fellow Jew, we shouldn't focus on individual flaws (like a glass of water) but see the broader picture of their Neshama, recognizing the divine spark within. This perspective helps us avoid speaking Lashon Hara.

The Choshen Mishpat: Chesed and Divine Guidance

The Choshen Mishpat (breastplate) worn by the Kohen Gadol contained 12 precious stones, representing the tribes, along with the names of Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. Inside, folded within, was the Shem HaGadol (the great name of Hashem) of 72 letters. When important questions arose, the answer would be illuminated by shining letters on the Choshen.

Why 72 letters? This is the Gematria (numerical value) of Chesed (kindness).

• Aharon's Merit: Aharon, the Kohen Gadol, merited wearing this holy item on his heart because when he went out to greet Moshe in the desert, he showed no jealousy, only pure joy for his brother's honor ("Samach b'libo"). Hashem rewarded this selflessness by allowing him to wear the divine name on his heart, a heart that rejoices with others.

• The Power of Giving: "Olam Chesed Yibaneh" – "The world is built on kindness." Hashem constantly gives, and we are taught to emulate His attribute of Chesed. This power of giving illuminates the world and solves many problems.

The Joy of Adar: Seeing the Broader Image

We are now in Chodesh Adar, a month of special Simcha (joy), and this year, we have two Adars! This is the time to:

• Bring out the best in ourselves.

• Act with joy.

• See the good in others.

• Always strive to see the "blue," the broader image, in life.

A Story of Divine Providence: The Blaring Radio

This story beautifully illustrates how perceived challenges can be blessings in disguise ("Nahafochu"):

A wealthy family was leaving for Shabbat. The wife, a businesswoman, brought home a large sum of cash. Before leaving, the husband quickly ran to the local supermarket, where an Arab worker overheard him saying they'd be gone for Shabbat. The worker planned to rob their apartment.

That Shabbat, the family discovered their young daughter had turned on the radio to full volume; the husband had forgotten to unplug it. The blaring music disturbed their entire Shabbat, much to the husband's frustration.

A year later, the police called the husband. They had caught the Arab worker, who confessed to attempting to rob their home a year prior. He had arrived at their door, heard the incredibly loud music, and, despite knowing the family was Sabbath observant, assumed they had made a mistake and were home. He left, fearing they were present. The blaring radio, which caused such a headache, had inadvertently saved their home and money.

Often, challenges and things we don't understand at the moment turn out to be part of a larger, beneficial plan. It takes time to see the "broad, broad image" and realize that "Hakol Letovah" – everything is for the good.

Have a wonderful Shabbos, and a very Happy Purim! May we see a complete "Nahafochu," where all hardships are transformed into tremendous miracles. May we all merit to see "Ora V'Simcha V'Sason V'Yikar" together.

My love to you all from Yerushalayim.