The seven Aliyahs of Tetsaveh
You are what you wear. Well, in some ways. This parsha is mostly devoted to the garments of the high priest. The Kohen Gadol who once a year would enter the holy of holies to represent and atone for all of us.
top right – This apron was composed of the weaving of four gold in-threaded yarns of four colors – scarlet, turquoise, purple and linen – and it was a symbol of protection from idolatry.
top left – The breastplate engraved with the stones of the various tribes also contained the Urim Thummim which would light up judgements. The supernatural was a reality then.
top center – The robe at its bottom had golden bells and woven pomegranate symbols of awakening to authenticity, and presence. And here are the turban and sash and golden headplate with the words “holy to Hashem.”
bottom right – Aaron’s four sons who would be the next kohens emersed in a mikvah, as a bull and ram are prepared for sacrifice substituting for us.
bottom left – And then their right ear and right thumb were marked with blood with Moses who is only indicated in this parsha waves the sacrifices. The ear for awakening to hearing truth and the thumb to remind us to point to truth.
bottom center – Here at the copper altar are lambs to be part of holy sacrifices. We do this no more, but when our ancestors did this, it was connecting them deeply to all living beings and life and death and service.
center center – This golden alter inside the holier space in the Mishkan was used to continually light incense that stimulated our senses to the miracle of being here.