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Tetzave (2025)

Shabbat Parshat Tetzave – Zachor

Dvar Torah
The garments of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) are heavily symbolic, invoking themes of service before G-d for the Jewish People like the Choshen (breastplate) which was filled with gems inscribed with the names of the tribes of Israel to be worn above the Kohen Gadol’s heart. Interestingly, the bottom of the Kohen Gadol’s robe required bells “so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the sanctuary before G-d” (Ex. 28:35). As a spiritual leader who metaphorically carried the Jewish People on his heart, the Torah makes clear that the Kohen Gadol needed to be constantly aware and intentional about his movements and surroundings. The mantle of true leadership is literally attached with bells to accentuate the need for humility and self-awareness, while simultaneously commanding respect from its surroundings when it is heard

Trivia
This Shabbat we will read Parshat Zachor which is considered a separate Miztvah independent of any requirements for the weekly Torah reading. For this reason, some (minority) Halakhic authorities are of the opinion that the Miztvah is not fulfilled unless it is heard in the intonation and cantillation of the community one comes from. For this reason (but mostly for schtick) in my high school we used to read Zachor seven or eight times with successive representations from students of varying diaspora heritage (Polish, Yemenite, Italian, German etc.), a true manifestation of Kibbutz Galuyot (ingathering of exiles)!

Shabbat in/out times
Yerushalayim 17:05/18:19
Misgav Am 17:13/17:18
Vienna 17:30/18:36
London 17:33/18:43
NYC 17:36/18:36
Cleveland 18:06/19:07
Calgary 18:10/19:19
More times here

Shabbat Shalom!

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