While it is forbidden to make images of God, the Lord does command Moses that there be symbolic objects, colors and clothing in order to draw the people into a sense of prayer and the presence of God. We have come to call such articles, “sacramentals.”
The Sabbath portion begins with oil for the lamp, the origin of sanctuary lamps in some church traditions. Then we move into the vestments of Aaron and the priests. Read slowly, so that you can turn the verbal instructions of the ephod and the breastplate into mental pictures.
What do you have in your house and on your person that can become constant reminders of the presence of the Lord? Just as the Twelve Tribes that were carried on Aaron’s shoulders and over his heart, what can you do to be reminded of the burdens of others you are asked to carry in prayer? Hold these persons in your heart.
This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Tetzaveh (And You Shall Command)
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.
Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Clothing myself with the Christ Gal 3:17
The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.
For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information
The Bible Through the Seasons 