This Week’s Portion

Tetzaveh You shall command — תצוה

For the week of February 9, 2019

• TORAH:  Exodus 27:20-30:10
• HAFTARAH: Ezekiel 43:10-27
• GOSPEL:  Matthew 5:13-20

Portion Summary

Tetzaveh is the twentieth reading from the Torah. Tetzaveh (תצוה) means “You shall command,” as in the first verse of the reading, which says, “You shall [command] the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually” (Exodus 27:20). This Torah portion continues to narrate the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, focusing particularly on the priesthood that was to serve in that sanctuary. The Israelites are commanded to make special garments for Aaron and his sons to wear while ministering as priests. After describing the priestly garments, the portion concludes with instructions for the ritual inauguration of Aaron and his sons into the priesthood.