Parashat Tetzaveh – 5785

Did we miss a spot?

As Moses receives instructions for the making of items for the Mishkan, the text moves from describing the wardrobe of the priests to the ritual of installing the priests in their sacred roles. It is a ritual of purification that begins with sacrificial animals and bread, clothing the priests in their sacred vestments, and then their purification, including:

“…Slaughter the ram and take some of its blood and put it on the ridge of Aaron’s right ear and on the ridges of his sons’ right ears, and on the thumbs of their right hand, and on the big toes of their right feet.” (Ex. 29:20)

Ear… Thumb… Big toe?

It is probably due to my current grandparenting responsibilities that, as I read this verse, I couldn’t help but hear, “Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb” – a book by Al Perkins, introducing toddlers and pre-school sweeties to their fingers, thumbs, and hands… and to reading and making music.

Certainly, Aaron and his sons are not little tykes, but they will be stepping into their priestly roles letehilah – from the beginning… and basics are important.

But daubing ram’s blood on the ear, thumb, and big toe?

In his commentary on Leviticus 8:22, which describes the investiture of Aaron and his sons following the instructions based on our present chapter in Exodus, Jacob Milgram seeks to clarify the meaning of this rite:

“… Some hold that the daubed organs represent the entire body, partes por toto – parts for all. Others prefer a spiritual, allegorical explanation: ‘The organs of hearing, handling, and walking touched by the blood imply that the priest is to have hallowed ears to listen to God’s command, hallowed hands to perform his sacred offices, and hallowed feet to tread rightly to the sacred places and also to walk generally in holy ways.’ (Driver 1911, on Ex. 20:19)” (Jacob Milgram, Leviticus 1-16, Anchor Bible, p.528.)

Milgram goes on to describe the purification rite of the altar, and suggests that just as blood was daubed on the horns (extremities) of the altar, blood on the ear, thumb, and big toe (also seen as extremities) serves to purify and sanctify the priests.

With the passage of time and the loss of the Temple and the priesthood, the more spiritual and allegorical interpretation of this ritual comes to the fore. Ear… Thumb… Big toe… becomes a metaphor that each of us can take to heart. Indeed, Rabbi Hertz comments, “In a ‘Kingdom of Priests,’ the consecration of ear, hand, and foot should be extended to every member of that kingdom.” (Dr. J. H. Hertz, The Pentatuch and Haftorahs, p. 346)

And, indeed, these basics are so important in how we relate to each other through active and thoughtful listening, reaching out to each other and acting on their behalf, and walking the talk – walking in holy ways and going the extra mile to bring light into our world.

Ear… Thumb… Big toe… Did we miss a spot? Is there yet another place to be “daubed”?

I would humbly suggest aiming inward, away from the extremities, to the heart… to recognize the power of empathy.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks taught that empathy “brings holiness into our world by seeing the world through someone else’s eyes, entering into their feelings, and acting in such a way as to let them know that they are understood, that they are heard, that they matter.” And what better text to learn this from than Ex. 23:9 – “You shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger; you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Empathy is not only for those we know and love. Our heart should be large enough and open enough to engage with another in meaningful ways, so that they know and feel that they have been understood.

Famed music director and conductor Michael Tilson Thomas spoke about the importance of “the orchestra’s faith in the conductor’s good heart, which seeks to inspire everyone to make music that is excellent, generous, and sincere… My approach is to be in tune with the people with whom I’m working…”

Opening one’s heart to others allows us to express our compassion and warmth, to resonate with the heartbeat of others, to recognize each person’s humanity and affirm their dignity.

Ear… Thumb… Big Toe… Heart…

Listening… Reaching out… Walking the talk… Empathy…

These are the basics in bringing holiness into our world as we become the best that we can be.

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Rabbi Enid C. Lader (AJR ’10) is the Rabbi Emerita at Beth Israel – The West Temple in Cleveland, Ohio. She serves on the AJR Board of Directors, and is the visiting rabbi for the Jewish residents of Kendal at Oberlin, a senior community. She and her husband, Harry, enjoy the blessings of grown children, grandchildren, and retirement.