Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Beat for Light and Clothing Speaks?

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...