Weekly Sidra: Tetzaveh (offering)
Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 27:20-30:10
Haftorah: Yechezkel / Ezekiel 43:1-27

This week’s portion named, Parashat Tetzaveh, there are mitzvot or commandments that either we must understand background information to understand or must trust HaShem for the way put before us.

Shemot or Exodux 27:20 begins that way with a command to bring "clear oil of beaten olives for lighting”. To understand this one needs to understand the preparation of the olive harvest.The day of the harvest the olives were ground and beat to release the oil from the olive. The clear oil was the finest, purest oil that would burn the cleanest and brightest light. There is no exhaust system to clear away smoke.

As you read this portion consider the materials and craftsmanship in building the Mishkan and the care this exhibited beforehand. What does the lesson from the olive harvest bring to us today? From the most trying times may come the best and most costly fuel that will burn brightest. This transformation comes in our lives as we offer HaShem to harvest its fruit. We see the cost to the olive for the creation of the purest oil.

We see the sacrifice of the Moschiach, the Light of the World (Yochanan or John 8:12), to bring the redemption of the world. Parallels can be drawn in the costs for caring for this temporary temple we dwell in now and the costs we we shoulder for bearing light As the Moschiach tabernacled or dwelt with us in his earthly body demonstrating the way and life of God, the derech chaim today the walk others see, is the light shown in the world.

What do clothes have do do with setting someone apart for service of HaShem? In Shemot 28:1-2 the clothing was being made for “for dignity and adornment”. There are a few reasons unique clothing is worn. It may be necessary for the performance of a job. Distinguishing those in positions are simpler when clothing sets one apart from others. Clothing is different trades provides functionality, protection, status and recognition in the community. In this cases the clothing of the priests and high priest is not needed for function, but it’s splendor sets the wearer apart in the eyes of the community. Special clothing is not necessary for coming near to HaShem, a willing heart and a desire to cleave to the Most High (devekut). Still clothing sets apart those serving the One God as He has designed in this week’s portion.

What can this tell us today about our clothing and our walk before HaShem? As those shining the light of HaShem into the world first, we are to dress with dignity as those serving were commanded. Dressing for the functions of our job, having our clothing set us apart from those in the rest of the world’s fashions, dressing modestly with dignity so our inner light shines. When the clothing speaks louder and draws more attention to the physical attributes rather than the inner attributes then the HaShem’s light is dimmed.

What of my life is being beaten into the light of HaShem for others to see? What do my clothes speak about who I am, my community, my career, my walk before HaKodesh Baruch Hu. What is HaShem speaking to me about being Or LaGoyim "the light to the world" in my clothing, my walk, my life as a woman seeking to please the Most High.

Ruth Etalka