Spiritual Armor of the Intercessor
Tetzaveh (Shmot 27:20-30:10)

Miriam Ben-Yaacov

Parshat Tetzaveh continues the instructions for the dedication of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), specifically focusing on the garments of the high priest. As we discussed in Parshat Yitro, the Kohenim priesthood of Israel was also a pattern for the priest of the Nation of Israel. This parsha describes the clothing of the high priest. Certain items of the clothing were essential to the task of the priest, especially that of interceding before Gd for the people.

“Aharon shall carry the names of the sons of Israel on the breastpiece of decision over his heart, when he enters the sanctuary, for remembrance before the Lrd at all times. Inside the breastpiece of decision you shall place the Urim and Thumim, so that they are over Aharon’s heart when he comes before the Lrd. Thus Aharon shall carry the instrument of decision for the Israelites over his heart before the Lrd at all times.” -- Shmot 28:29-30

The Tribes

The names of the Tribes were inscribed on stones that were set in the breastpiece. On an obvious level, wearing the names over his heart indicated his attachment, his love for the people of all the Tribes. However, there was a practical function of the breastpiece, as well. Whenever a question was asked, such as “Which tribe shall go up first?” that stone would light up. The Urim and Thumim, which carried Names of Gd, gave the breastpiece this power. So the high priest was not only carrying Israel over his heart, but also the Name of Gd.

“You shall make a headplate of pure gold, and you shall engrave upon it, engraved like a signet ring, “Holy to the Lrd”. –Shmot 28:36

The mind of the high priest was to be a clear channel. His thoughts and intentions were to be fully dedicated to Gd. The headplate and the breastpiece are comparable to tefillin--one worn on the head and the other on the arm near the heart. Like the breastpiece they have divine messages inside, and like the headpiece, they are to remind the people that they are "Holy to the Lrd”, as the straps are wrapped and bound.

The function of the priesthood was to intercede before the heavenly court for the people of Israel. Israel’s function as the priestly nation is to intercede before the heavenly court for the nations. There are several references of the Prophets to Gd’s searching for someone to pray, to intervene and plead the case. One such passage is Isaiah 29:16-17:

He saw that there was no (worthy) man.
He gazed long, but no one intervened.
Then His own arm won Him triumph,
His victorious right hand supported Him.
He donned victory like a coat of mail,
With a helmet of triumph on His head;
He clothed Himself with garments of retribution,
Wrapped Himself in zeal as in a robe.

The Intervener

The Prophet said that Gd looked for someone to intervene, but found no one. So He Himself took up the cause. The description he gives is of HOW to step into the spiritual warfare of intervening. “He donned victory like a coat of mail...” The high priest put on the breastpiece. “With a helmet of triumph on His head...” The high priest put on the headplate. They were physical symbols of the spiritual garments that Gd Himself metaphorically garbed Himself in to accomplish the victory in the heavens. For the intercessor, donning the spiritual armor, having his heart and mind fully dedicated to Gd is essential to achieving the victory.

In the passages concerning intercessory prayer, the intervening before the court of heaven, the Hebrew word for prayer is from the root “paga”, which means “to impinge” and has the understanding of being forceful or even violent. The word used in Israel for the terrorist attacks is “pigua”, also from this root. So the idea of interceding in prayer is very forceful; indeed, it is the most powerful word used for prayer. This is the reason that this form of prayer is described in terms of warfare.

Esoterically, Aharon and Moshe personify Hod and Netzach respectively. Just as Aharon and Moshe were an inseparable team, each, of course, having his own role, Hod and Netzach are inextricably connected. Intercessory prayer, as well as prophecy, is an aspect of these combined sefirot. The prophets of Israel were also intercessors. All wars, personal and national, are decided from this sefiric area. Thus the role of the intercessor is that of intervening in decisions of the heavenly court as a warrior.

It is quite fitting that we look to the high priest as example for the intercessor. He followed Gd’s example of fighting the spiritual battles, and wore the garments He assigned him as being “robed in zeal”. May we follow his spiritual example that our hearts and minds be so dedicated, “Holy to Hashem”. May we thus be a clear channel for His will on earth.

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