Parashah Tetzaveh Comments 2022
Judaism teaches that God is spirit—worthy alone of our worship and obedience. Yet Jewish tradition also employs tangible reminders to express that worship. Here are several:
Common Objects in Jewish Practice
Kippah / Yarmulke — A head covering worn as an expression of reverence for God. Orthodox Jews typically wear one at all times; many Conservative and Reform Jews wear one in synagogue on Shabbat.
Tallit (prayer shawl) — Worn in prayer. The tallit has tzitzit attached to its four corners (more on this below).
Mezuzah — A case containing passages from Deuteronomy and Numbers, including the Sh’ma (“Hear, O Israel, the LORD is our God, the LORD is One”) and the V’ahavta (“You shall love the LORD your God…”). These words are to be written on doorposts and gates. Most Jewish homes and many buildings mount a mezuzah on the doorway.
T’fillin (phylacteries) — Two small boxes with straps, containing the same scriptures as the mezuzah plus Exodus 13:9, 16. One is strapped to the arm, the other to the forehead, fulfilling “a sign on your hand” and “frontlets between your eyes,” reminding us to observe Torah in daily life.
Tzitzit — As God told Moses:
Tzitzit are worn on the four corners of the tallit, or attached separately (e.g., to a tallit katan) as a reminder to keep the mitzvot embedded in the Torah.
Hamsa — A hand-shaped symbol (with roots in Jewish mysticism) recalling the Five Books of Moses and symbolizing peace and fellowship; worn as jewelry or used decoratively.
Hebrew Letter Chet (ח) — Often worn as a pendant, referencing chai (“life”) and Deuteronomy 30:19: “Choose life.”
Star of David — Traditionally associated with the “Shield of David” (Magen David) and, by legend, Solomon’s seal; commonly worn as a pendant.
Urim and Tumim in Tetzaveh
Unlike most items above—beautiful traditions—the tzitzit and the Urim and Tumim come to us directly from Scripture. The Urim and Tumim are central in this week’s parashah:
Elsewhere in Scripture, they guide leaders and guard holiness:
The ephod is the High Priest’s garment ensemble that includes the breastplate (choshen) where the Urim and Tumim are placed. Thus, when Scripture says a decision was made by the ephod—or by the urim—it points to consulting the Urim and Tumim.
Over the Heart: Justice with Lovingkindness
Note the placement: “over Aharon’s heart.” In Scripture, the heart is the moral center—source of action and discernment. The Urim and Tumim resting there teach that God’s justice is exercised with compassion and lovingkindness.
What Were the Urim and Tumim?
Traditions vary: some describe two stones (white/black) for “yes/no”; others mention parchment. However fashioned, they were inserted in the breastplate, with God’s Names associated with them. Some manuscripts and sages describe a prophetic illumination as the High Priest contemplated the divine Names and the engraved tribal names.
Name and Meaning
Urim and Tumim are commonly rendered “lights” and “perfections,” or together as “perfect illumination.” Another strand sees them as expressing God’s essence—truth and love—by which the priest discerns God’s will for Israel.
Aleph and Tav
In Hebrew, Urim begins with Aleph (א) and Tumim with Tav (ת)—first and last letters of the alphabet. This framing evokes God’s eternal nature—beginning and end—and His faithful light and perfection.
“The Breastplate of the Gospel”
Seen this way, the Urim and Tumim prefigure Messiah: the flawless, obedient Servant whose light guides our path.
The Letter Tav
Historical scripts of the Hebrew Tav resemble a mark or cross-shaped sign—an ancient reminder that the way to life is marked by sacrificial love and covenant fidelity.
Closing Prayer
May God continue to reach out to His children—those who know Him and those still considering His invitation. May Jews and Gentiles alike be strengthened to follow His ways, finding life in His light and truth.
Amen.
