Weekly Torah Portion: T’tzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)

In this Torah portion, God appoints Aaron and his sons as priests. God describes the priestly clothing, and explains how to properly sanctify the priests. Aaron is commanded to make incense offerings to God every morning on an altar. God explains that once a year Aaron will make an offering on that altar to atone for all of the Israelites’ sins. Read an extensive summery on My Jewish Learning

Related D’var Torah

“We cannot ‘love our neighbor as ourselves’ or ‘see all humans in the image of God’ unless we are consistent in seeing Sacredness.” – Aviyah Farkash in 2017. read the full drash

“I live amidst a community who experiences and feels, and that we are all on this bumpy road together” – Rabbi Heather Miller in 2014. Read the full drash

“You are strong, you persevere, you see the long run, you get the irony of how chronic illness calls you to cherish each day even as you curse some days.” – Rabbi Heather Miller in 2013. Read the full drash

“Who are your enemies? Our Amelak? As I have learned, and am reminded from year after year at the Think Tank, that my enemies, my Amelak is not
what I see…” – Davi Cheng in 2005. Read the full drash here

“When faced in our own lives with those moments of fear about coming out–whatever that may mean — or a choice between taking the easiest route and the better route, may we remember Esther and what a little self-reflection, and also a little moral and morale support from others, can do.” – Rabbi Lisa Edwards in 1999. Read the full drash

Torah Verse of the Week*

“And it [the bell] shall be on Aaron for ministering: and the sound of it will be heard when he comes to the Holy in front of God and when he goes out, so he will not die.” (Exodus 28:35; Parashat Tetzaveh)