Vayak'heil: He Assembled.
In this Torah portion, Moses assembled the entire people to provide them with instructions from Adonai. The people are informed of the laws governing the Sabbath. They are reminded of the holiness of the Sabbath and are instructed not to perform work on this day. Moses then asks for contributions from the Israelites, according to their ability to participate in the construction of the Tabernacle. Everyone joins in to assist in the construction, sewing and building of the Tabernacle, which includes the Ark, the table, the menorah, the altar of incense, the anointing oils, the altar of burnt offerings, the laver, and the enclosure.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
T'tzaveh / Exodus 27:20 ~ 30:10
T'tzaveh: You Will Command
This week's Torah portion continues with the instructions for the Tabernacle. The Portion begins with the commandments regarding the lighting of the lamps in the Ohel Mo'ed, or the Tent of Meeting. This Portion then describes the establishment of the Priesthood, through Aaron and his sons: Nadav, Avihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. The Priests are instructed to wear special clothing to distinguish them from the other Israelites and to identify them for the Sacred service.
The High Priest, or Kohen Gadol, was instructed to wear eight special items:
1. The Ephod, or apron;
2. The Breastplate, which incorporates twelve colored stones, each representing the 12 Tribes of Israel;
3. The Urim and Thummim, which were probably lots cast to determine G~d's Will in legal and military matters. Their exact meaning is unknown.
4. The Robe, dyed blue;
5. The Tzitz, or Frontlet, which was to be inscribed with the words "Holy to Adonai";
6. The Tunic;
7. The Headdress; and
8. The Sash.
This Torah Portion further describes the installation ceremony for the priests.
This week's Torah portion continues with the instructions for the Tabernacle. The Portion begins with the commandments regarding the lighting of the lamps in the Ohel Mo'ed, or the Tent of Meeting. This Portion then describes the establishment of the Priesthood, through Aaron and his sons: Nadav, Avihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. The Priests are instructed to wear special clothing to distinguish them from the other Israelites and to identify them for the Sacred service.
The High Priest, or Kohen Gadol, was instructed to wear eight special items:
1. The Ephod, or apron;
2. The Breastplate, which incorporates twelve colored stones, each representing the 12 Tribes of Israel;
3. The Urim and Thummim, which were probably lots cast to determine G~d's Will in legal and military matters. Their exact meaning is unknown.
4. The Robe, dyed blue;
5. The Tzitz, or Frontlet, which was to be inscribed with the words "Holy to Adonai";
6. The Tunic;
7. The Headdress; and
8. The Sash.
This Torah Portion further describes the installation ceremony for the priests.
Friday, February 4, 2011
T'rumah / Exodus 25:1 ~ 27:19
T'Rumah: Offerings
This Torah portion describes the instructions for building the Mishkan, or Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting, which will hold the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. The Tabernacle is a symbol for the Presence of G~d. It's mobility allows the Presence to accompany the Israelites as they wander through the desert.
The ancient Tabernacle was not a house of worship. It was forbidden to most of the Israelites. Only the High Priests were permitted to touch the Tabernacle.
This Torah portion describes the instructions for building the Mishkan, or Tabernacle or Tent of Meeting, which will hold the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. The Tabernacle is a symbol for the Presence of G~d. It's mobility allows the Presence to accompany the Israelites as they wander through the desert.
The ancient Tabernacle was not a house of worship. It was forbidden to most of the Israelites. Only the High Priests were permitted to touch the Tabernacle.
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