Giving God Light
The portion opens with the olive-oil lamp stand in the Tabernacle (Exodus 27:20). Who is meant to benefit from the light? The Midrash puts into God's mouth the words, "Do I need your light? Does it not say, 'Light dwells with Him?' (Daniel 2:22)" No; the light is meant for us; there is a verse that says, "The spirit of man is the light of the Lord." (Proverbs 20:27)


With light we can see our way - we can discern our goals in life and follow them.


With light we can read the Torah - we can discern truths about life and the world that can give meaning to what we do.


With light we can see other people - we can discern that every human being is, like us, a child of the Divine, with a

He had to bear with him the names and concerns of the whole people.

 precious soul and a unique dignity.


Why, then, doesn't God provide us with light Himself and not need us to exert ourselves: to use the Torah's words, "to cause the lamp to burn continually"? Because God expects us to be His partners in the work of creation, even the creation of light. He endows us with all the means and material to produce light, and empowers us to utilise our potential and turn the ingredients into a result.


Remembering Names
Sometimes, a person's name escapes me. I am sure it is someone I know, but for the life of me, I cannot recall their name at that moment. Usually, the name comes to my mind a while later, but by then it may be too late to greet them properly. I confess that I had to work out with my wife a harmless little piece of play-acting. If she saw me talking to someone and I did not introduce them, but said, "You know my wife, don't you?" that would indicate to her, "Don't press me on the name: I just can't think of it at the moment!"


The Chassidic teacher, Rabbi Yehudah Tzvi of Strettin, was better than me (not just in this respect). Someone asked him how he remembered the names of all the many people who wanted him to pray for them. This was his answer: "When someone comes to me with their problems, it leaves a scar on my heart. When I start praying, I open my heart to the Almighty so He can see for Himself the pain of everyone who has come to me with their troubles."


The story comes to mind whenever I read this week's sidra, Tetzaveh, with its command to Aaron to wear an ephod to which were attached onyx-stones bearing the names of the tribes of Israel (Exodus 28:9). As High Priest, Aaron not only had to carry out routine functions in the sanctuary, he had to bear with him the names and concerns of the whole people.


The Emperor's Clothes
The kohen's vestments were carefully specified, and every detail had to be correct. In the sanctuary, nothing shoddy could be tolerated, neither in the procedures of sacrifice and worship, nor in the garb and appearance of those charged with the responsibilities of leadership and office.


Clothing mattered with the priest: it also matters with the rabbi. A scholar must not have even a speck on his

A prospective chazan was ruled out because he was wearing brown shoes.

garments: it would be an insult to God and the Torah. Shabbat and festival clothing must be even better and more dignified than weekday clothing. Concessions might be made in extreme climatic conditions, and in very hot weather relatively casual dressing may be acceptable, but even then, one must be tidy and neat.


In a British synagogue where I once served, the dress code was very British and a prospective chazan was ruled out because he was wearing brown shoes. In my synagogue in Australia, no one even noticed if people came in sandals, though I once gently remonstrated with a member who came on Shabbat in shorts. But in Israel, no one seemed bothered when a young man came to synagogue on Kol Nidre night wearing shorts.


The moral? Take account of the environment, certainly, but don't say, "Who cares what you wear?" Your garments say something about you. The Torah says that the kohen's clothing should be "for honour and glory" (Exodus 28:2). Since we are meant to be "a kingdom of priests" (Exodus 19:6), we should ensure that our clothes proclaim honour to ourselves and the glory of God.