From Inside to Outside – Parshas Tetzaveh 5772
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The Kohen Gadol wore a special series of Eight Garments. One of them was the Me’il which was essentially a tunic which had bells and designs at the bottom that made noise upon his motvement. There is a custom to adorn our Sifrei Torah with the same such bells as a resemblance to the Kohen Gadol’s bells. The Torah tells us (Shemos 29:35) that the bells were made so as to make noise (“V’nishmah Kolo, its sound should be heard”) when the Kohen would enter the room. So too, the Sefer Torah often has bells on it so as to alert the congregants that it is coming through.
Three Times
What is fascinating to note is that the Mesorah points out that the word “V’nishma” is found in three places throughout Tanach (although it really appears 6 times, the Mesorah specifically ties together only 3 of them). Our verse states, “V’nishma Kolo, its sound voice be heard.” When the Jews accepted the Torah, they stated (Shemos 24:7), “Naaseh V’nishma, we will do and we will listen.” In Megillas Esther (1:20) it states, “V’nishma pisgam HaMelech, the laws of the king will be heard and followed.” What is the connection?
Tying it Together
Rabbi Akiva Sofer zt”l (1878-1959, a great-grandson of the Chasam Sofer who wrote Sefer Daas Sofer) ties all three verses together. He says that the most important mission in life is for one to first work on himself, to become a true servant of Hashem and to properly perform the Torah and Mitzvos. Only after that can one come to a level where he or she can share this with others. The Chasam Sofer interprets the verse in Shir Hashirim (2:14) to be expressing this idea: “Show me your appearance,” refers to one’s personal integrity and actions, “let me hear your voice,” only when this is present is one able to express and share Torah with others.
The three verses express this idea. First one must, “Naaseh V’nishma,” hear and obey the Torah yourself. Then, “V’nishma kolo,” one’s voice can be heard by others. When one does this, then the result will be, “V’nishma pisgam HaMelech,” Hashem’s Torah and Mitzvos will become known in the world.
Sharing From Inside
The Kohen Gadol had to first develop himself into a great person in his own right and only then could he express the beauty of Torah to others. So too, our first order to to fill ourselves up with Torah and Mitzvos and then we will be able to share the beauty with others including our family, friends, students, neighbors and those around us. We will be living examples of Torah and a shining light to others.
Categories: Parshas Tetzaveh
