Tetzaveh (command)
Ex. 27:20 - 30:10

This week’s Torah portion begins right where we left off last week. In last week’s portion we have the instructions for the building of the Tabernacle. This week’s portion is mostly about the vestments of the priests. However it begins with the command to prepare olive oil to light the menorah. The Midrash Rabbah has much to say about the olive oil. It is said to remind us of Israel . The prophet Jeremiah said The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit. We see here that Israel is called an olive tree. The instructions given in Exodus call for the olives to be beaten.

According to the Mishna, the process for beating the olives consists of three methods: first they are crushed in a mortar; then they are pressed with a beam; finally they are ground with millstones. Through this process the oil is pure and usable in the menorah. This reminds us of the Jewish people who have been "beaten" by the nations; "crushed" and "pressed". Through all of the persecution, Israel is refined so she can be a light unto the nations. Isaiah 60:3 says that nations will come to your light . Another way in which Israel is pictured as an olive in that just as olive oil does not mix with water, so Israel stands alone as a nation. Israel is called to be separated from the nations of the world and not to mingle with the pagan nations. So we see that the oil used for the menorah in the tabernacle is a picture of Israel in that it is purified via "beating", serves as light and is separated.

This reminds us of the body of Messiah. David says "purge me with hysop and I will be clean." Sometimes we sing a song called "Refiners Fire". Throughout life, things happen that may seem painful at the time but yield the fruit of righteousness. The end result of being "crushed" is that we serve as a light unto the nations. Just as the olive oil gave light to the sanctuary, so we are called to give light to the world. We are to be a testimony of the world around us. Also, like the olive and like Israel , we are called to be separated as the oil is separated from the water. Although the Torah clearly states that the Israelites were to be kind to her neighbors, it also clearly states that Israel called to be distinct. In the same way, believers are called to be distinct. As the Bible says, we are in the world but not of the world. Although it is a good testimony to participate in world around us and not be isolated, we are commanded to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers.

All of us go through periods of life in which we experience difficulties. Although no one knows why certain things happen, we do know that if we respond properly to the difficulties, we will be a good testimony.

May it be true of us as believers the words of Jeremiah, The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit.

Shabbat Shalom!