Tetzaveh
8 Adar I 5774 / Feb.
7-8, 2014
In this week’s portion, Tetzaveh,
we find detailed instructions for how to go about creating vestments
for the High Priest (Aaron) and his sons, as well as how to consecrate and
ordain them as the nation’s priests.
Theoretically, this is a logical follow-up to last week’s portion, where
we learned about constructing the Tabernacle and its accompanying
ritual items. The Israelites built a
beautiful Tabernacle – now they needed folks charged with its
upkeep/maintenance and to oversee the offerings made there.
I’ve admittedly always struggled with the notion of
priesthood, as in some ways it seems to suggest an inherent class
difference. And yet, I can somewhat
understand that in a time period where animal sacrifice was the norm, having
experienced animal sacrificers who would be charged with overseeing the process
makes sense. The alternative, frankly,
could be very messy…
As Judaism eventually embraced prayer-based
worship rather than sacrifice-based worship, the ancient rabbis helped fill
the leadership void vacated by the priests (and prophets). But prayer was something that everyone could
participate in, and didn’t necessarily require specialized offerors (although
some might argue that cantors have helped fill that role). With time, something
truly beautiful has transpired: it is no longer just “professionals”
who have the ability to make meaningful contributions to the success of the
Jewish people’s created structures, as was the case in antiquity; rather,
everyone has the ability to meaningfully contribute. Many of the perceived class differences have
faded with time, and opportunities for volunteer leadership are endless.
This Shabbat, reflect on the following:
Which structures in your life have significant meaning /
value?
Who are the caretakers of such structures?
Are you willing / interested / able to step up and take on
leadership roles to ensure their success?
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