Parshat Tetzaveh

While reading this week’s parsha, Tetzaveh, and many related parshiyot that dictate the precise measurements of the Temple (and details of the ornaments and garments and sacrifices), something inside me feels restricted.  I am not the most creative person, but I do have a deep appreciation for the arts and expressive capabilities they provide.  And there seems to be no room for creativity or expression in the building of the Temple or the Temple service.  Yet I also recognize the need for structure and boundaries – without boundaries there would be chaos. 

A Midrash pointed out by Rabbi Michael Gold on this week’s parsha helps provide somewhat of an answer – if indirect – to my feeling.  Rabbi Gold notes that this is the only Torah portion after Genesis that does not mention Moses’ name.  And the Midrash comments:

“Who are the brothers the Psalmist referred to when it said, `Here is what is good and what is pleasant, for brothers to dwell together.’ (Psalms 133:1)  Moses and Aaron honored one another, Moses took the kingship and Aaron the priesthood, and they did not hate one another.  Rather each was proud of the greatness of the other.”   (Tanhuma Shemot)

Moses and Aaron each had their role in leading the Jewish people and each thrived in that role, while not becoming jealous towards the other’s position or bearing a grudge.  This week’s parsha, which focuses on Aaron, the Kohanim, and specific service in the Temple, recognizes the unique role of different people.  When all put together, they form a unified whole.  So too each of us are born with a specific purpose, something unique to us. Yet we cannot survive on an island, without support from others.  We each have a unique role, but like Moses and Aaron, we must rely on others to fill the areas that we are lacking as we must fill in for others where they may be lacking.