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Tetzaveh
Shabbat
Zachor
Exodus
27:20-30:10
Deuteronomy
25:17-19
1 Samuel
15:1-34
Hebrews
13:10-17
This week we are again at Mt. Sinai where Moses is
commanded by G-d to instruct the B'nai
Israel (Children of Israel) to take pure olive oil, pressed for
illumination, to kindle the lamp continually.
The rest of the Torah portion tells us about the
Kohanim/Priests: their election, their
vestments, and the inauguration service making them
G-d's chosen
priesthood for the children of Israel.
Also, instruction is given for the Altar of Incense, which
was to burn continually morning and afternoons.
Torah commentator Sforno
states that the Incense Altar was different from the rest of the Temple
articles in that it brought G-d's glory to
His people (Ex. 25:8-9). The offerings created the "meeting place" of G-d
and Israel (Ex. 29:43). Once the Tabernacle and its service brought His
Presence to Israel, the incense was the prescribed means to welcome the
King and show Him honor. By having G-d's
Presence, therefore, He was always there in the
midst of them, not only as their King but also as their continual
Protector.
This Shabbat we read
Deuteronomy 25:17-19 in honor of
Shabbat Zachor
which is always read on the Sabbath before Purim.
This is where the commandment to remember the treachery of
Amalek, who was the grandson of
Esau and who carried on the hatred of
Jacob. He, and his followers, persecuting the Jewish people and attacked
them, especially the weak. It is also known that
Haman was the decedent of Agag,
king of the Amalekites.
Israel's enemies have been around since then. Even in our
times, the spirit of the Amalekites
continues to attack and harass the Jewish people and those that have
joined them from among the nations. Read Revelations 12:13-17.
In the book of Isaiah, chapter 43, G-d tells His people
that He is their Redeemer and Savior, and that even though they may walk
thru the fire they will not be scorched. Psalm 121:3-8 tells us that G-d
does not sleep or slumber and is our Protector and our Keeper. Throughout
the ages we remember how G-d protected our people by remembering and
celebrating the feast of Purim.
The Priesthood is a
privilege and a responsibility and we need to be mindful to be on vigil
and be ready for such a time as this. We need to seek G-d, pray, and fast
for G-d's protection and redemption, just as Esther and
Mordecai and the Jewish people did so long
ago.
Hag Sameach and Happy
Purim
SHAVUA
TOV
Rabbi Z.
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