Parashat Tetzaveh
Exodus 27:20-30:10
"Dress it up for God" or "Black Tie Not Optional"
It's Fashion Week in the Torah! God commands Moshe to anoint Aaron and his sons as the Priests of the community. They will have the privilege and responsibility of offering the sacrifices on behalf of the people. The High Priest is the only person who has the grand privilege of entering the "Holy of Holies"/innermost chamber of the Temple. Naturally one wouldn't wear just any old ratty thing to carry out such a task.
This parasha provides a detailed accounting of the garments to be worn by the High Priests. "...the efod—an apron-like garment made of blue, purple and crimson dyed wool, linen and gold thread; the choshen—a breastplate containing twelve precious stones inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel; the me’il—a cloak of blue wool, with gold bells and decorative pomegranates on its hem; the tzitz—a golden plate worn on the forehead, bearing the inscription “Holy to God.”(Chabad.org) We are talking high high fashion, haute couture if you will!
Can you imagine! The blue, purple and crimson thread! Actual gold being spun into thread? And don't forget all of the jewels; rubies, sapphires, and more. All that glitz and bling! Today, we dress up the Torah instead.
Why doesn't Moshe become "the anointed one"? Why doesn't the Priestly line go to Moshe and his sons? Aferall, Moshe is the one who has been working tirelessly for God and for the people.
Commentators see this parasha as a turning and returning point in the life of the people. Aaron being anointed High Priest and the Priestly line being given to him and his sons and their sons and son on, is a return to the original tradition of the oldest inheriting the birthright (Think back to Genesis and Esau and Jacob - the stew, selling the birthright etc…). Up until now, the youngest took that privilege. The correct tradition is back in place.
I see an additional turning point. God is marking the beginning of the transition from Moshe leading the people to Aaron and his sons being in charge. As the reader, we know that Moshe will not be allowed to enter the Promised Land with the people and God is putting a new model of leadership. Moshe rejoices in the role God bestows upon Aaron which seems to indicate his support of the transition.
Our tradition holds Moshe as the model for humility. He is generous in heart and his rejoicing for Aaron reinforces these qualities. He could have been angry and jealous. He could have challenged God. And would any of us have blamed him? Wouldn't it make sense for the person who put in all of the work deserve the promotion? Wouldn't it make sense for Moshe to wear these garments and carry out the specific tasks on behalf of the people? But, Moshe rejoices. He is happy for his brother's success. Would we be able to do the same?
Side note: Aaron certainly worked hard as well and it isn't difficult to establish a strong case for his promotion.
Are we genuinely happy for others when they are recognized? Do we celebrate them with an open heart?
Mekor Ha'Chayiim, Source of Life, as we move into Shabbat may we take the opportunity to check in with our ego. May the envy we experience when others are rewarded be softened. May we make room to genuinely celebrate the success of others.
Shabbat shalom u'mevorach,
Laurie
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