Parashat Tetzaveh 5785-You Shall Command-8 March 2025 / 8 Adar 5785

15 minutes ago7 min read

The Eternal Light of Divine Service, The Priestly Garments as Channels of Holiness, and the Hidden Mysteries of the Urim and Tumim—Illuminating the Path to Mashiach and the Ultimate Redemption"

Parshat Terumah provides profound insights into the spiritual structure of the Mishkan, which mirrors the human soul. The sages teach that the true Mishkan is in the heart of every Israel and each part of the sanctuary reflects our spiritual growth. By studying and internalizing these teachings, we create a dwelling place for Hashem in our own lives.

The question arises: Why does the verse include "VeAtah" (ואתה, "And you") when "Tetzaveh" (תצוה, "You shall command") alone would suffice?

I. The Connection Between Moshe Rabbeinu and the Shekhinah

📖 Zohar (Tetzaveh 181a)

"‘VeAtah’ (ואתה) refers to the Shekhinah, which is connected to Moshe. This means that the Divine Presence is embedded in the command given to Moshe Rabbeinu."

📖 Chassidic Thought (Sfat Emet, Tetzaveh 5637)

"The word 'VeAtah' hints to Moshe's inner essence, beyond his personal name. It refers to his neshamah (soul) being totally united with Hashem. The verse is emphasizing that Moshe is a channel for divine wisdom."

📖 Tanya (Iggeret HaKodesh 25)

"The tzaddik (righteous person) does not merely teach Torah—he is Torah, a conduit of divine will. Moshe Rabbeinu was the first of such tzaddikim, who embodied the Shekhinah’s presence in the world."

Practical Lesson:

"The use of 'VeAtah' instead of 'Moshe' teaches that true leadership is about being a vessel for divine wisdom. Moshe was not just a commander—he was a channel for Hashem’s presence. Every Israel, in their own way, can become a conduit of divine light through Torah and mitzvot."

II. "Atah" (אתה) and the Divine Presence

📖 Zohar (Bereishit 18b)

"The word ‘Atah’ (אתה) consists of 'Alef-Tav' (את) and the letter Hei (ה), hinting at the Shekhinah’s presence."

📖 Midrash Tanchuma (Tetzaveh 6)

"‘Atah’ is a reference to Hashem’s universal presence, encompassing all reality from beginning (Alef) to end (Tav)."

📖 Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Pardes Rimonim 7:2)

"Atah (אתה) represents the full revelation of Hashem in this world, corresponding to Malkhut (the Shekhinah) as it is connected to the upper realms."

📖 Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin (Tzidkat HaTzaddik 71)

"When a tzaddik speaks, it is not just his voice—it is the Shekhinah speaking through him. This is why 'VeAtah' precedes Moshe’s command; Hashem’s presence was within him."

👉 Practical Lesson: The word "Atah" (אתה) represents Hashem’s Presence, meaning our actions and words can manifest divine energy in the world. Through Torah and mitzvot, we draw down Shekhinah into our lives.

III. "VeAtah Tetzaveh" and the Future Redemption

📖 Yeshayahu (Isaiah) 60:1

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of Hashem has risen upon you."

📖 Zohar (Tetzaveh 184a)

"In the times of Mashiach, the light of 'VeAtah' will be fully revealed, and all of Israel will shine with divine radiance."

📖 Rabbi Chaim Vital (Sha’arei Kedushah 3:2)

"The future leader of Israel, Mashiach, will carry the same divine spark as Moshe, illuminating the world with truth."

📖 Midrash Rabbah (Shemot 38:8)

"The hidden presence of Moshe Rabbeinu continues in every generation, preparing the world for the ultimate redemption."

👉 Practical Lesson: "VeAtah Tetzaveh" hints at the coming of Mashiach, who will be the ultimate leader of light and divine truth. We prepare for this by bringing Hashem’s presence into the world through Torah, mitzvot, and acts of kindness.

Conclusion: The Deeper Message of "VeAtah Tetzaveh"

The phrase "VeAtah Tetzaveh" is more than just a grammatical construct—it is a profound mystical teaching about Moshe Rabbeinu, the Shekhinah, divine connection, and leadership.

Kohen Gadol (High Priest) wore eight garments:

The Bigdei Kehunah (Priestly Garments) were not merely clothing but spiritual instruments designed to channel divine energy, bring atonement, and reflect cosmic realities. The Kohen Gadol (High Priest) wore eight garments, while the regular Kohanim wore four. Each garment atoned for a specific sin, symbolizing the rectification of human flaws.

I. The Four Garments of the Regular Kohanim and Their Atonement

The regular priests wore four garments, corresponding to four fundamental transgressions:

Mitznefet (מִצְנֶפֶת) – Turban – Atones for Haughtiness (גַּסוּת הָרוּחַ)

The turban sat high on the head, symbolizing the need to subjugate arrogance before Hashem.

📖 Talmud, Zevachim 88b: "The Mitznefet atones for arrogance, as it sits at the highest point of the body."

📖 Ramban (Shemot 28:4): "A Kohen must serve with humility, and his head covering is a sign of submission."

Avnet (אַבְנֵט) – Sash – Atones for Lust(הִרְהוּרֵי עֲבֵרָה)

The Avnet was wrapped around the waist, the area associated with desires and passions.

📖 Talmud, Zevachim 88b: "The Avnet atones for sinful thoughts and improper desires."

📖 Midrash HaGadol (Shemot 28:4): "The Avnet, tightly bound, symbolizes the control over one's passions."

Kutonet(כֻּתֹּנֶת) – Tunic – Atones for Bloodshed (שִׁפְכוּת דָּמִים)

📖 Midrash Rabbah (Shemot 38:8): "Just as Yosef’s tunic was stained with blood, the Kutonet atones for bloodshed."

The Kohen's white tunic, free from stains, reminds us of the purity of human life.

Michnasayim (מִכְנְסֵי בַד) – Linen Shorts – Atones for Immorality(גִּלּוּי עֲרָיוֹת)

Modesty is the foundation of holiness. The Kohanim wore special linen undergarments to symbolize moral purity.

📖 Talmud, Zevachim 88b: "The Michnasayim atone for sins of sexual immorality."

📖 Rashi (Shemot 28:42): "The covering of the body reminds the Kohen to serve Hashem in a state of sanctity."

👉 Practical Lesson: These four garments correspond to the four foundations of human conduct—humility, self-discipline, respect for life, and moral purity.

II. The Kohen Gadol’s Additional Four Garments and Their Atonement

The Kohen Gadol wore an additional four garments, bringing the total to eight, corresponding to deeper atonements and mystical functions.

Tzitz (צִּיץ) – Gold Crown – Atones for Brazenness (עַזּוּת פָּנִים)

The golden headplate had the inscription “Kodesh LaHashem” (Holy to Hashem).

📖 Talmud, Zevachim 88b: "The Tzitz atones for those who act with brazenness and impudence."

📖 Zohar (Tetzaveh 183b): "The Tzitz shone like the light of heaven, removing the stains of sin from Israel."

Me’il (מְעִיל) – Robe – Atones for Lashon Hara(לָשׁוֹן הָרַע)

The Me’il had golden bells and pomegranates on its hem, making a sound as the Kohen moved.

📖 Talmud, Zevachim 88b: "The Me’il atones for Lashon Hara, just as its bells create noise, counteracting harmful speech."

📖 Chafetz Chaim (Shmirat HaLashon 2:3): "The Me’il teaches that one’s voice should bring holiness, not destruction."

Choshen Mishpat (חֹשֶׁן מִשְׁפָּט) – Breastplate – Atones for Corrupt Judgment (עִוּוּת הַדִּין)

The Choshen contained the Urim v’Tumim, which illuminated divine answers for Israel.

📖 Talmud, Zevachim 88b: "The Choshen atones for unjust rulings and corruption."

📖 Midrash Rabbah (Shemot 38:8): "The Choshen reminds us that Hashem’s justice is absolute."

Efod (אֵפוֹד) – Apron – Atones for Idolatry (עֲבוֹדָה זָרָה)

The Efod, worn on the back, reminds us to turn away from false worship.

📖 Talmud, Zevachim 88b: "The Efod atones for the sin of idolatry."

📖 Rambam (Hilchot Avodah Zara 1:1): "Idolatry is rooted in detachment from divine truth—the Efod restores that connection."

👉 Practical Lesson: These additional garments atone for the sins of arrogance, speech, injustice, and false worship—the root causes of spiritual disconnection.

III. The Choshen’s Connection to Mashiach

One of the most profound insights in Tetzaveh is the Choshen’s connection to Mashiach.

The gematria (numerical value) of "Choshen" (חשן) is 358, the same as Mashiach (משיח): Choshen = Mashiach = 358

The word for “Breastplate” (Choshen) has a gematria of 358, equivalent to Mashiach,

חשן = משיח = 358

Choshen = Mashiach = 358

📖 Zohar (Tetzaveh 184a): "The Choshen carries the secret of Mashiach, whose arrival will restore true justice."

📖 Talmud, Yoma 73b: "Urim (lights) and Tumim (perfections) gave clarity to Israel, just as Mashiach will bring divine truth to the world."

📖 Midrash Rabbah (Shemot 38:8): "The Choshen contained the names of the twelve tribes, just as Mashiach will unify all of Israel."

👉 Practical Lesson: The Choshen’s divine clarity is a foreshadowing of Mashiach’s era, when all confusion will be removed, and divine wisdom will fill the world.

Conclusion: The Priestly Garments as a Path to Redemption

The Priestly Garments serve as a spiritual model for self-refinement:Humility (Mitznefet), self-control (Avnet), moral purity (Michnasayim), and respect for life (Kutonet).

Guarding speech (Me’il), seeking truth (Choshen), rejecting idolatry (Efod), and embracing divine service (Tzitz).

The Choshen's connection to Mashiach hints at the ultimate redemption, when the true Kohen Gadol will lead Israel in divine clarity and justice.

📖 Malachi 3:4 – "Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to Hashem, as in days of old."

May we soon witness the restoration of the Kohanim, the Beit HaMikdash, and the return of Mashiach—when the light of the Urim v’Tumim will shine again.

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