SEDRA : TETZAVEH HERTZ CHUMASH P.339 Exodus Ch. 27 verses 20.

This week's Sedra is generously sponsored by Danny Goldsmith.

SYNOPSIS:

The Sanctuary having been described the Torah now deals with the requirements of those who are to serve in it.
Following a description of the Olive Oil for kindling the Eternal Lamp (Menorah), Aaron and his sons are "drawn near" to Minister in the Tabernacle. The "Holy Garments" of Aaron as Kohen Gadol are to be made by "wise-hearted" people.
The vestments include the Ephod - a close fitting coat of the same fabric as the Parochet Curtain for the Holy of Holies. Two onyx stones were sown into the shoulder straps with the names of the twelve tribes inscribed on them.
A breastplate on which were 4 rows of precious stones inscribed with the names of the Twelve Tribes constituting the Urim and Tummim was made to hang over the Ephod.
The Ephod was worn over a blue robe with "pomegranate shaped" balls interspersed with golden bells attached to its hem. A Tzitz or plate of gold inscribed with the words "Holy to the Lord" was made to be worn across Aaron's forehead with a Mitre (headdress) to be placed on his head. Simpler tunics were made for Aaron's sons.

A description is provided of the service and preparations for consecrating Aaron and his sons to the priesthood. This is followed by a brief introduction to the nature of the various daily sacrifices. The Sedra concludes with the details of construction and use of the Altar of Incense.

IN SOME YEARS THIS SEDRA COINCIDES WITH SHABBAT ZACHOR A COMMENTARY FOR WHICH APPEARS BELOW:

SPECIAL MAPHTIR HERTZ CHUMASH p. 856 Deut. 25 verse 17.

The Special Maphtir of "Zachor" : "Remember what Amalek did...." is the 2nd of the four special readings for the Sabbaths preceding Pesach. It is always read on the Shabbat before Purim.
Following the crossing of the Red Sea at the Exodus when the entire world was in awe of G-d's Power and Might, the Amalekites launched a cowardly attack on the Israelites. Hamman, the persecutor of the Jews in later times, was a descendant of Amalek.
THE HAPHTORAH HERTZ CHUMASH P. 995 I Samuel Ch. 15 The Haphtorah relates to the theme of the Maphtir and describes King Saul's campaign against the Amalekites.

TELL ME RABBI ..... PURIM

Purim, observed on 14th Adar, commemorates the saving of the Jewish communities living under Persian rule from Haman's evil designs to exterminate them. It seems the events described in the book of Esther, took place about 450 B.C.E.
The name Purim derives from the word pur - lottery, the method used by Haman to select the date for a general massacre of the Jews. The sudden turn of events in the story of Purim which turned the tables on the oppressor has provided a spark of hope and encouragement to oppressed and victimised Jewish communities throughout the centuries.

FOUR OBSERVANCES: The most prominent observance of Purim is to listen to the reading of the Scroll of Esther - the Megillah evening and morning.
Both men and women are required to listen to the reading of the Megillah. Children should also be trained to attend the Synagogue to fulfil this duty.
Purim observances are based on the following passages : "And Mordechai wrote these things and sent letter to all the Jews... to enjoin them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews took upon themselves... and upon their descendants, that they would keep these two days according to the writing thereof and according to the appointed time, every year". (Esther 9:20-23,27)

A Festive family dinner Seudah should be held on Purim day fulfilling the directive that these be days of feasting (y'mai mishteh). Each person should "send portions" consisting of at least two items of food that may be readily eaten to several friends. This is called in Hebrew "shalach manos" or "mishloach manot".
Each person should give gifts (charity) to at least two poor people or worthy causes. Even a poor person who is himself a recipient of charity must give to others. "A person is required to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between `cursed be Haman' and `blessed be Mordachai'" (Megillah 75). However one should not vulgarise his behaviour.
Although there is no prohibition of work on Purim one should nonetheless abstain from one's regular job on Purim day (if possible) and celebrate the holiday in the appropriate manner. The custom to hold parades, carnival-type celebrations and parties on Purim and the wearing of costumes and similar merrymaking, especially by the children, is a particularly