Following the detailed commandments in last week's portion concerning the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), Parshat Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10) begins with the daily mitzvah given to Aaron and his sons to kindle the menorah in the Mishkan with pure olive oil. G-d describes to Moses the special garments which are to be worn by the Kohanim (Cohen - priests) during their service, woven and crafted from materials donated by the people. The Torah portion then shifts its attention to G-d’s commandments regarding the melu'im, or inauguration ritual for the newly constructed Mishkan, to be performed completely by Moses for seven days. The ritual included Moses' adorning and anointing the Kohanim, and his bringing of offerings. On the eighth day, Aaron and his sons would assume their offices as the Kohanim. Then descriptions are provided for the offering to be brought in the Mishkan every day of the year in the morning and afternoon. The portion concludes with the command to build the last of the Mishkan's structures, the golden altar upon which the ketoret (incense) would be offered every morning and afternoon.
I found a D’var Torah online that speaks volumes to me about this week’s parshah, and I hope it sets the tone for tomorrow’s continued celebration of Shabbat.
So, this week's Torah portion, dwells at length on the detailed preparations performed by the Kohanim (priests) to properly serve G-d in the Mishkan. Special garments had to be worn and an inauguration rite was required before the actual service could begin. Why does it matter what they wore? Why was there such prerequisite procedure and attention to every detail? Couldn't the Kohanim just have immediately engaged in their duties?
In Mesillas Yesharim, a classical ethical treatise by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, it is explained that our purpose in life is to strive to attain closeness to our Creator. The method for obtaining such an attachment is the performance of the mitzvot. Thus, following the 613-step program for success - the Torah - is the vehicle to properly serve G-d.
Some people may think that they can ignore the Divinely prescribed regimen for achieving closeness to G-d and become instantly pious, simply by virtue of a spiritual attitude. There is, however, no such thing as "Microwave Judaism". No one becomes an expert at something without working at it. A skinny weakling, upon entering the gym for the first time, hardly expects to immediately pump 300-pound barbells. Instead, he builds himself up through constant training and incremental adjustments. It takes time, effort, and equipment. No pain, no gain. Likewise, we must build up our spiritual muscles through unwavering observance of G-d’s mitzvot. How we dress and how we conduct ourselves creates within us a mindset that, over time, sensitizes us to our innate holiness and natural desire to connect with our Creator. An attachment to G-d is firmly internalized through years of engaging in the proper steps. It takes time to climb a mountain; one can't expect to leap right to the top.
This concept can be understood at an even simpler level. The Talmud states that when praying, one should enter the synagogue "at a distance of at least two doors" (Talmud Tractate Berachot 8a). Some interpret this to mean that one should not immediately jump into their prayers. Rather, you should enter inside the synagogue the amount of time to walk "a distance of at least two doors" - long enough to give you some time to settle your mind and prepare your thoughts for prayer (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 90:20). This short time period allows one to build yourself up for reaching out to G-d.
Thus, we can understand the importance of preparation. The procedures that the Kohanim had to follow teach us that one doesn't instantly become a servant of G-d simply because one feels that way. There is a long-term growth process that, over time, will enable one to truly be a spiritual person. It is through adhering to G-d's laws, in such matters as what we do and how we act, that we will acquire this proficiency and sensitivity.
Nothing in the world comes for free; you've got to earn your portion. But don't be discouraged, Rabbi Akiva didn't start lifting weights until he was 40.
Shabbat Shalom.
