Parshat Tetzaveh

Parshat Tetzaveh opens with the mitzvah to light the Ner Tamid, the eternal fire. Aharon HaKohen and his sons are in charge of this avodah. Just as Bnei Israel must appoint Kohanim to serve in the Beit HaMikdash, we must also show them proper kavod. This includes giving them terumot and maasrot and giving them precedence in aliyot and other honors.

The Kohanim serve as the nation’s representatives in the Mikdash, and their clothing reflect that role. They wear the Choshen, Ephod, Me’il, Mitznefet, and Avnet—"bigdei kodesh."

Rashi explains each clothing based on pesukim, midrashim, and the Gemara. But when it comes to the Ephod, Rashi says something unusual: *"I haven’t heard or found a clear explanation in a Baraita. And my heart tells me..."* This is rare—Rashi almost always bases his words on Chazal or the simple pshat.

A person has a *mind* that thinks and a *heart* that feels. The mind operates with logic, but emotions are shaped by how we process reality. So why does Rashi say, *"my heart tells me"* instead of *"my mind tells me"*?

Every day in Shema, we say, *"You shall love Hashem with all your heart."* But how can Hashem command love? Isn’t love something you feel naturally? The answer lies in a mashal: A couple starts out in love, but over time, challenges arise. They have two choices—walk away or work through it. A couple who chooses to give, even when it’s hard, reaches a deeper love than at the beginning. True love comes from giving.

The same is true with Hashem. By giving to Him—through mitzvot, tefillah, and avodah—we cultivate love. That’s why Rashi ties the avodah in the Mikdash to the *heart*. Serving Hashem isn’t just about intellect—it’s about deep emotional connection. Our relationship with Hashem, like any true love, is built on giving.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rav Ari Haber