In this week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, we read about all of the commandments Hashem gave to Aharon and his sons who were annointed as the Kohanim. The word Tetzaveh actually means commandment. Hashem speaks to Aharon and tells him the specifics of the olive oil and lighting the menorah in the Mishkan. The parsha also speaks about the special clothes the Kohanim would wear and when the Kohanim had to wear them. The parsha goes into the specifics of each garment that they had to wear while working in the Mishkan. Regular Kohanim wore four items, while the Kohen Gadol must wear an additional four garments while working. Hashem then goes on to teach Moshe how to initiate Aharon and his sons as Kohanim. After being initiated, Aharon and his sons officially begin work in the Mishkan. The parsha ends off with giving instructions on how to build the golden Mizbeach, or altar. This Shabbos is also Shabbat Zachor, as it is right before Purim. We read the Zachor maftir since we are commanded to remember the evil of Amalek and to eradicate them from the face of the earth. Haman, the villain of the Megillah, was descended from Amalek. Adults are required to hear the special Zachor reading.
Shabbat Shalom!
By: Ava Horowitz (12th Grade)
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