Tetzaveh
Written by Rachel Provance
In this week’s Parsha, Tetzaveh, the basic garments of a Kohane are discussed.
The basic garments consisted of a turban, shirt, pants, and belt. The Kohane
Gadol wore four additional garments: the Me'ill - a long outer robe; the Ayphod a quilted vest or bibbed apron; the Choshen - jeweled breastplate; and the Tzitz
– an engraved, golden, forehead plate. The long outer robe is described. The
hem of this garment was edged with small bells intended to announce the
presence of the Kohane Gadol as he walked through the Bait Hamikdash. All the
garments were handmade of the finest white linen. The special vestments of the
Kohane Gadol were woven from a special thread spun from five different colored
threads, including a thread made of pure gold. The last vessel to be described is
the inner, golden Altar, used to burn the daily incense offering. This offering could
only be performed by the Kohane Gadol. As we see in this parsha, the Kohain
Gadol wore holy pieces, pieces that announced his presence and displayed his
importance.
When I read of the importance and sheer wonder of the Kohane Gadol’s
elaborate wardrobe, I thought about what Jews today are wearing. While it’s safe
to say none of us are dressed as elaborately as the Kohane, the way we look is a
reflection of who we are, on the inside. I’m sure many of you have heard a
speech similar to this one before; it is important that we dress to reflect our
values, ourselves, and often, are faith. Tzniut, modesty, is an extremely important
concept, one the Jewish faith clings close to. How, however, do we apply this
Tzniut to our daily lives?
As a high school teen, I have searching eyes on me all day, and unfortunately,
most are searching for something they can make fun of. In an ideal world, no one
would be judged by what they wore. It’s inevitable, however, that often you are
seen for your attire rather than your true self. This itself is the reason why we
must dress in a way that is not only modest, but is a true reflection of ourselves.
You are not only representing yourself, you are representing the Jewish people
as a whole.
As a Jewish teen, it is difficult not to assimilate in the American idea of baring an
insane amount of skin. In the parsha, the Kohane Gadol was known and
respected for what he was wearing, not for what he wasn’t wearing. He was
respected for what he was, and what he stood for, rather than what he wore. His
tzniut was there, but no one saw that-rather, they simply saw him, in all his
holiness.
I must selfishly ask you to emulate the Kohane Gadol- not in necessarily what he
wore but what he represented, and what he stood for. So before you leave the
house, look in the mirror, and ask yourself if you are representing yourself, and
the Jewish people in a way that even the Kohane Gadol would be proud of.
Shabbat Shalom!