MENORA
HaShem commands the Israelites to use the most refined olive oil daily to light the Menora, the golden candelabrum inside the Tabernacle.
THE CLOTHES OF THE COHANIM
Moshe must consecrate Aharon and his sons as priests and dress them in special garments. The Tora explains how to make the High Priest’s Ephod, an elaborate garment that falls between a vest and an apron, where the Choshen rests (see below). Skilled artisans weave the Ephod using gold, violet, and scarlet threads, along with fine linen and intricate golden embroidery. The Tora then describes the Choshen, the breastplate worn over the Ephod. This pectoral contains four rows of precious stones, with three stones in each row. The artisans engrave the names of the 12 Tribes of Israel on these stones. They secure the Choshen to the Ephod using straps. The phrase urim vetumim (“light and truth”) appears in connection with the Choshen, and Yale University’s shield, for example, incorporates this reference (see image above).
THE TEKHELET
The Tora then describes the me’il, a violet tunic (according to Sephardic tradition, tekhelet is 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, engraved with the words “Consecrated to God.” The Tora also specifies the four garments worn by both the High Priest and regular priests: tunics, turbans, sashes, and trousers.
CONSECRATION OF PRIESTS
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 priestly robes. He must then offer several inaugural sacrifices. This ceremony will take place over seven days, completing their consecration. The Tora also describes the process for consecrating future High Priests.
QORBAN HATAMID AND QETORET
God commands the Israelites to offer two daily sacrifices without interruption: one lamb in the morning and another in the afternoon. They must bring these offerings in the Tabernacle, even on Shabbat or 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 priests must prepare and offer the qetoret on this altar twice a day.
