For Week of Friday, February 23, 2024

The title of our Torah portion comes from the three-letter Hebrew verb, “tz-v-h,” which means to command. The noun derived verb is “mitzvah,” which we know as ‘commandment.’

Our ‘sedrah’ continues with the details of the building of the portable sanctuary, known as the “mishkan.”  In great detail the Torah explains the special clothing worn by the priests, and the silver breastplate and special accoutrements worn by Aaron, the high priest.

The opening paragraph of chapter 27 instructs the priests to make certain that a burning light is kept lit throughout the night, in front of the curtain separating the Holy of Holies from the rest of the sanctuary. What does that mean to have a “ner tamid,” burning in the sanctuary throughout the day and night. Is there a corollary to this in our own lives—the kindling of an inner light that suffuses our actions with wisdom and direction towards God’s teachings? In our own sanctuary, the beautiful “ner tamid,” the eternal light is a poignant remembrance of Shana Rosenberg, beloved daughter of Stuart and Connie Rosenberg.

Please join us for Torah study this Shabbat morning at 9:30 a.m.