QUESTIONS FOR THE SHABBOS TABLE PARSHAS TETZAVEH, EXODUS 27:20–30:10 (PART II)

QUESTIONS FOR THE SHABBOS TABLE 

PARSHAS TETZAVEH, EXODUS 27:20–30:10 (PART II)

At 28:30 Hashem says:

“And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Tummim; and they shall be upon Aaron's heart…”

וְנָתַתָּ אֶל-חֹשֶׁן הַמִּשְׁפָּט, אֶת-הָאוּרִים וְאֶת-הַתֻּמִּים, וְהָיוּ עַל-לֵב אַהֲרֹן

What are the Urim and Tummim?

Urim and Tummim are elements of the חֹשֶׁן, the breastplate worn by the If important matters. The Urim and Tummim are not defined, but traditionally they are a parchment containing the Names of God, which would cause the stones of the breastplate to light up with messages.  “Urim and Tummim” comes from the Hebrew words for light and perfection.

Rashi explains that when the Jewish People needed to know something of great import, the Urim and Tummim could be consulted to reveal the will of God.   There was a special name of God that was written and placed in the fold of the breastplate through which the breastplate illuminated and answered the question. The Urim and Tummim were often consulted throughout Biblical times, but went missing after the destruction of the first Temple in 586 BCE.

One of the most moving portions of a synagogue service is when the Priests, the Kohanim, bless the congregation.  This was originally done by Aaron and his four sons in the Mishkan.  Prior to the actual blessing, the Kohanim stand before the congregation and recite a prayer in they are commanded to bless the people with love:

וצונו לברך את עמו ישראל באהבה

If באהבה is an object of a preposition, then the Kohanim are bestowing on the congregants the blessing of love.  If באהבה is an adverb, then the Kohanim are giving their blessing lovingly.  It is a beautiful and meaningful service.