MENORA
HaShem commands the Israelites to use the purest olive oil each day to kindle the Menora, the golden candelabrum inside the Tabernacle.
THE GARMENTS OF THE COHANIM
Moshe must consecrate Aharon and his sons as cohanim and dress them in special garments. The Tora explains how to make the High Priest’s Ephod, an elaborate garment resembling a vest or apron, upon which the Choshen rests. Skilled artisans weave the Ephod from threads of gold, tekhelet (violet), and scarlet wool, together with fine linen and intricate gold embroidery.
The Tora then describes the Choshen, the breastplate worn over the Ephod. This pectoral contains four rows of precious stones, three stones in each row. The artisans engrave the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel on these stones and secure the Choshen to the Ephod with straps. The phrase urim ve-tumim (“light and truth”) appears in connection with the Choshen; for example, Yale University’s shield incorporates this biblical expression (see image above).
THE TEKHELET
The Tora then describes the me’il, a tekhelet (violet) tunic—according to the Sephardic tradition, tekhelet refers to violet rather than blue or light blue—adorned with gold bells and pomegranates. Next, the Tora details the tzitz, a golden headband worn on the forehead and engraved with the words “Consecrated to HaShem.”
The Tora also specifies the four garments worn by both the High Priest and the regular cohanim: tunics, turbans, sashes, and trousers.
CONSECRATION OF THE COHANIM
The Tora prescribes the ceremony for consecrating Aharon and his sons as priests. Moshe must bring them to the entrance of the Sanctuary, immerse them in a mikveh (ritual bath), and dress them in their priestly garments. He then offers several inaugural sacrifices. This ceremony lasts seven days and completes their consecration. The Tora also describes the procedure for consecrating future High Priests.
QORBAN HATAMID AND THE QETORET
HaShem commands the Israelites to offer two daily sacrifices without interruption: one lamb in the morning and another in the afternoon. These offerings must be brought in the Tabernacle every day, even on Shabbat and Yom Kippur.
The Tora then describes the qetoret, the incense offering burned on a small altar of pure gold inside the Sanctuary, near the Menora. The cohanim prepare and offer the qetoret on this altar twice each day.
