SP
Short, practical, relevant Weekly Dvar
Thu, Feb 18, 2016 5:05 PM
This Lelamed Dvar is also available in your local App Store (iTunes and
Android). Please enjoy, and share responsibly...
The Torah tells us in this week's portion, Tetzaveh, that the hem of the
priestly robe (ephod) would have bells sewn on them. As the priest enters
the sanctuary with the bells on his robe, "a voice will be heard" (Exodus
28:33-35). What is the significance of these bells and their "voices"?
Rabbi Avi Weiss explains that among his many duties, the priest would offer
atonement for his own sins. As it would be embarrassing for others to be
present during this personal process, the bells would signal that those
present should leave, allowing the priest private moments with G-d. At the
same time it was only fair that people know when the priest was entering so
they not be taken by surprise. In fact, privacy is so important that Jewish
Law tells us that one should be careful to knock before entering anywhere,
even one's own home or a child's room (Pesachim 112a). It is these little
bells of privacy and sensitivity to others that should make the Torah so
private and personal to each of us.
Shlomo Ressler
Quotation of the Week:
"Stop focusing on how stressed you are, and remember how blessed you are."
This Lelamed Dvar is also available in your local App Store (iTunes and
Android). Please enjoy, and share responsibly...
_______________________________________________
The Torah tells us in this week's portion, Tetzaveh, that the hem of the
priestly robe (ephod) would have bells sewn on them. As the priest enters
the sanctuary with the bells on his robe, "a voice will be heard" (Exodus
28:33-35). What is the significance of these bells and their "voices"?
Rabbi Avi Weiss explains that among his many duties, the priest would offer
atonement for his own sins. As it would be embarrassing for others to be
present during this personal process, the bells would signal that those
present should leave, allowing the priest private moments with G-d. At the
same time it was only fair that people know when the priest was entering so
they not be taken by surprise. In fact, privacy is so important that Jewish
Law tells us that one should be careful to knock before entering anywhere,
even one's own home or a child's room (Pesachim 112a). It is these little
bells of privacy and sensitivity to others that should make the Torah so
private and personal to each of us.
Shlomo Ressler
_______________________________________________
Quotation of the Week:
"Stop focusing on how stressed you are, and remember how blessed you are."