Summary of parashat Tetzave
God tells Moshe to receive from the Children of Israel pure olive oil for the “eternal flame” of the Menorah that Aaron must light every day, “from evening until morning”.
The priestly garments to be worn by the Kohanim (priests) while performing their service in the Sanctuary are described. All the Kohanim wore: 1) ketonet – a long linen tunic; 2) mijnasaim – linen trousers; 3) mitznefet or migbaat – a linen turban; 4) avnet – a long belt around the hips.
In addition, the Cohen Gadol (High Priest) wore: 5) ephod – a kind of apron made of wool dyed blue, purple and red, linen and gold thread; 6) joshen – a plate that was attached to the chest, where twelve precious stones were inlaid, engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel; 7) meil – a blue wool tunic with gold bells and pomegranates on its lower edge; 8) tzitz – a gold plate that was placed on the forehead, with the inscription “Holy to God”.
This section also includes God's detailed instructions for the seven days of initiation of Aaron and his four sons – Nadav, Avihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar – into the priesthood, and for the making of the Golden Altar where the ketoret (incense) was burned.
