in-Vestments- Tetzaveh

in-Vestments

Parshat Tetzaveh

This week's Parshah of Tetzaveh discusses at great length the many vestments of both the Kohen Gadol (high priest) as well as the Kohen Hediot (regular priest). The four garments of every Kohen included (1) Ketones (tunic), (2) Michnisayaim (pants), (3)Avnet (sash), and (4) Mitznefes (hat). The Kohen Gadol had four additional vestments, (5) Ephod (apron), (6) Mei'il (Robe), (7) Choshen (breastplate) and finally (8) Tzitz (forehead plate). These special vestments were worn by the Kohanim when they performed the service in the Mishkan, and later on in the Bet Hamikdash.

Throughout the narrative of the design and manufacturing of these vestments, there seems to be a repetitive theme related to the words "the sons of Aharon". There seems to be an infatuation with the word, "בניו - the children", to the extent that this word is mentioned no less than twenty-three different times! While we can certainly understand the need for Aharon Hakohen's sons to treasure and safeguard these special Mitzvot and Kohanic traditions, there must be a deeper message as well.

This past week my family and I returned from South Africa, where we celebrated our son's marriage, thank G-d. It was a wonderful trip with much family time, good food, festivities and, of course, a safari to see the Big Five. I also had the pleasure of seeing Jewish Johannesburg, i.e., the beautiful shuls, the Beth Din of South Africa, and the many delicious kosher restaurants, as well as the Pretoria Jewish community, where we stayed with our mechutanim (new in-laws) who serve as the Rav and Rebbitzin there. But what was most impressive to me was the multitude of  large Jewish schools, ranging in Hashkafah (religious perspective) from Chabad, Chassidish, Litvish, and Modern Orthodox, all the way to the secular Jewish school. Each one was a massive successful system of its own, with hundreds and hundreds of students! My amazement was compounded when I was told that Johannesburg only has about 50,000 Jews! I was completely flabbergasted! How can a relatively small Jewish community sustain so many shuls, schools, restaurants and Jewish organizations? I wondered.

But as I learned more about the community, something became evident. That is the investment in the children and the education of the community. While I am not sure with who and where it all began, it is clear to me, that fifty plus years ago, the visionaries and leadership of the city focused on "the children", making sure that there would be good Jewish schools to educate the youth. Decades later, the results are most impressive-a strong, vibrant, traditional Jewish community with many schools, shuls and dynamic Jewish life.

Perhaps this is the lesson in our Parshah as well. The Torah mentions the words, "the children - בניו" so many times, because it is emphasizing how a society makes sure to engrain in its youth the values and traditions of its culture and people. Amazingly, till this very day, the Kohanim (priests) continue to cherish their sacred role in Birchat Kohanim, (blessing the community) in addition to safeguarding the special customs that are unique to their clan. Similarly, when a community invests in its youth and children, the future is bright and exciting.

As we headed home across the world,  the inspiration of this vibrant community filled my head as I munched on my glatt kosher biltong. Truly an inspiring and beautiful thing to see. 

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Y. Marrus