Parshas Tetzaveh: Connecting To Holiness

This week’s Torah portion, Tetzaveh, Shemot (Exodus) 27:20–30:10, connects the mundane with the sacred, as Moses instructs the priests on the daily rituals required to serve God in the Tabernacle. The portion begins with physical tasks needed to conduct ritual prayer and sacrifice. It ends with the incense offering, a metaphysical expression that offers up our spirit to Heaven, consciously connecting to God in a way that fully submerges our self in His presence here on earth.

God commands us to adopt this way of life. He gives us daily rituals of prayer and Torah study to develop this spiritual integrity just as daily physical exercises develop muscular strength. Why bother to walk the path of God-centeredness in a depraved world? Because the human soul longs to rest in the holiness and peace of God, an indulgence worth the sacrifice of every worldly satisfaction and ambition. As the Psalmist sings, "Thy testimonies are very sure, Holiness becometh Thy house, O LORD, for evermore." Psalm 93:5.

Cecily Routman

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and good life upon us and upon all Israel. Amen.