A thought on Parshas Tetzave
"...meshubatzim zahav yih'yu b'miluosam..."
"...these stones shall be placed in gold settings..." (28:20)
The breastplate worn by the Kohen Gadol was a broad gold pendant inlaid with twelve precious stones, each of which was topped with the tribal names of Yakov's twelve sons. There were many practical and mystical functions associated with this unique and precious choshen. We can try to understand some of those functions although since the destruction of the Temple and the cessation of sacred avoda there, we cannot fully apply or appreciate those important processes. Is there something that we can derive from the choshen which would have relevance to us today?Rabbeinu Bachya offers a wonderful lesson. People value precious metals. Gold and silver have long captured the passion of men. Even more than gold, people value gemstones. This is why the base of the breastplate is gold, but above that gold base are the twelve precious gems, which symbolize how we value the stones more than the metal. However, above the stones are the letters. The letters of the aleph bais are superimposed upon both gold and jewelry in order to show that in HaShem's world, the alphabet of creation - the letters of Torah - are more precious than any thing or object which human beings might lust after and value.
Those letters spell out the names of our archetypal figures and according to kabbala, the essence and function of each gem had parallels with the nature and life saga of each of those tribes. It was not only the role which each stone played that was important but, as pertains to each of our tribes, each one on its own could read, like, its role in stone. By studying the nature of the gem which symbolized each tribe, people were able to determine the qualities which HaShem expected each one to contribute to the fabric of the nation.
This Shabbos will be followed by our observance of Purim. Remember that there is no mitzva to become uninhibitedly drunk, or to lose control to the degree that you are functioning like a complete unknown. Know your direction home. May each of us have a clearer sense of identity as a member of the People of Israel, and as individuals longing to fulfill the words, promises and roles spelled out for each of us by the letters of Torah.
Good Shabbos. D Fox
"...these stones shall be placed in gold settings..." (28:20)
The breastplate worn by the Kohen Gadol was a broad gold pendant inlaid with twelve precious stones, each of which was topped with the tribal names of Yakov's twelve sons. There were many practical and mystical functions associated with this unique and precious choshen. We can try to understand some of those functions although since the destruction of the Temple and the cessation of sacred avoda there, we cannot fully apply or appreciate those important processes. Is there something that we can derive from the choshen which would have relevance to us today?Rabbeinu Bachya offers a wonderful lesson. People value precious metals. Gold and silver have long captured the passion of men. Even more than gold, people value gemstones. This is why the base of the breastplate is gold, but above that gold base are the twelve precious gems, which symbolize how we value the stones more than the metal. However, above the stones are the letters. The letters of the aleph bais are superimposed upon both gold and jewelry in order to show that in HaShem's world, the alphabet of creation - the letters of Torah - are more precious than any thing or object which human beings might lust after and value.
Those letters spell out the names of our archetypal figures and according to kabbala, the essence and function of each gem had parallels with the nature and life saga of each of those tribes. It was not only the role which each stone played that was important but, as pertains to each of our tribes, each one on its own could read, like, its role in stone. By studying the nature of the gem which symbolized each tribe, people were able to determine the qualities which HaShem expected each one to contribute to the fabric of the nation.
This Shabbos will be followed by our observance of Purim. Remember that there is no mitzva to become uninhibitedly drunk, or to lose control to the degree that you are functioning like a complete unknown. Know your direction home. May each of us have a clearer sense of identity as a member of the People of Israel, and as individuals longing to fulfill the words, promises and roles spelled out for each of us by the letters of Torah.
Good Shabbos. D Fox
posted by Rabbi Dr. Fox at 9:37 PM
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