Parashat Tetzaveh 5768

This week's Torah Portion, Tetzaveh, provides instructions on how the Israelite priests' clothing should be made. The text delights in its details, "On its hem make pomegranates of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, all around the hem, with bells of gold between them all around: golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe" (Exodus 28:33-34). In this Torah portion, it seems, the clothes really do "make the man."

What are we to make of this?

I believe the priestly garments were meant to physically demonstrate the holiness and dignity of each individual priest. The priests, by vocation, were called to be the intermediaries between the people and the divine. The priests helped others worship and interact with God. Their clothes were intended to glorify their holy purpose and to beautify their sacred work.

I read these descriptions in a new light this week. This past Tuesday, during our TBS Tuesday night teen school, our 7th-12th graders learned about homelessness in Orange County firsthand. We listened to one woman's story of her (and her family's) experience of being homeless and her rise out of homelessness. We watched a DVD that featured homeless youth telling their own stories. We studied statistics about homelessness in Orange County. I cannot adequately express to you how moved I was by our teens' reflections and soulfulness during the program.

In today's world, with the Israelite priesthood long dismantled, each of us, in a way, has the potential to serve as priest. Each of us has the power to relate to God, to worship God, and to be equal members of a sacred community. And, in that vein, each of us should have the ability to wear clothes that illustrate our inherent holiness and that represent our own essential human dignity.

Sadly, too many people in our community cannot outfit themselves in ways that reflect their own inherent worth. During our teen program, I saw through new eyes just how prevalent poverty and homelessness are in our very own community. OC Partnership reports that there are between 27,732 and 35,065 homeless in Orange County. What can we do with these numbers?

This Shabbat, let us learn from Tetzaveh and act to bring dignity and holiness to those around us. A couple of hands-on ideas:

1. Take some time this long weekend to clean out your closets. Model for your children what it means to donate gently used clothing to those who go without. Talk to them about our priestly tradition of sacred dress. And, if you are planning a clothes shopping trip, consider purchasing an extra outfit and donating it locally (it can be fun for families to choose the clothes together).
2. Throughout March, TBS will be engaging in a pajama drive for homeless youth in Orange County. Many youth who live in shelters lack pajamas and are forced to sleep in their clothes. Think of the difference TBS can make in our community if each of us purchases new pajamas (and encourages others to do the same).

This week's parashah could easily be read as an outdated "Project Runway" episode. But, with an eye toward justice, we can elevate our text so that it might become a relevant call to action for each of us. My blessing for us is that we have the power to continue hearing Torah anew!