Parashat Tetzaveh 5785

by Rabbi Margie Cella

In this week’s parashah, God gives very specific instructions regarding the garments that Aaron and his sons will be required to wear while serving as the spiritual leaders of the people. Ordinary priests were to wear a robe (tunic), a mitre (turban), a girdle (belt), and linen breeches (undergarments) while serving in the Tabernacle.

Aaron, the high priest, wore four additional items: a breastplate, an embroidered coat, an ephod (apron), and a tzitz (gold plate) engraved with the words “holy to God” that was tied onto the turban. Like the Tabernacle, these garments were to be made from the finest materials: fine linen; blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; gold, onyx, and precious stones. On the shoulders of Aaron’s ephod he wore two onyx stones like epaulettes, each bearing the names of six of the tribes, half on the left shoulder, half on the right. In addition, each of the twelve gemstones in the breastplate bore the name of one of the tribes. These reminded Aaron of the awesome responsibility he bore when standing before God on behalf of all of the people.

The tzitz, with its special inscription on it, was the last item donned by Aaron. It was possibly the most important piece of his priestly ensemble. Since it was placed around the turban, on his forehead, Aaron could not see it when he was wearing it. For whom, then, we might ask, were those words “holy to God” intended? I believe that they were there to remind God of the holiness of the people—all the people. Each and every one of us is deserving of God’s forgiveness and God’s love, for we are all created in the image of God. 

Am Yisrael Chai! All people of Israel Live!