Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets

Parashat Tetzaveh. Exodus 27:20-30:10

You shall further instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly (Ex. 27:20).

Make sacral vestments for your brother Aaron, for dignity and adornment. Next you shall instruct all who are skillful, whom I have endowed with the gift of skill, to make Aaron’s vestments, for consecrating him to serve Me as priest (Ex. 28:2-3).

The first command for the setting up of the temple focuses on the importance of the accoutrements…light, clothing, etc. The word light is mentioned 264 times in the Bible so it is crucial in many ways.

The definition of Pure Light in Worship

Parashat Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20, 28:2-3) highlights the importance of pure olive oil for the menorah and pure garments for the priests, symbolizing the purity and holiness required in worship.

But first there must be light from a clean source. This theme resonates with John 1:4,9, where Jesus is described as the “light of men” and the “true Light” that enlightens everyone. The connection between these passages reveals a beautiful narrative:

1. God requires purity in both the oil and the garments, symbolizing the purity needed in our worship.
2. Jesus, as the true Light, brings enlightenment and salvation to humanity (John 1:9).
3. As believers, we’re called to walk in this light, living a life aligned with God’s truth and purity (1 John 1:7).
4. God went before them to give them light (Ex. 13:21).

Reflection:

This progression shows how, for Christians, God’s desire for pure worship is fulfilled in Jesus, the Light of the World, and how we, in turn, are called to reflect that light. How do other verses refer to light…is it a continuum or or does it expand?

                 Prepared by Sandra Clark

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