Parshas Tetzaveh for Kids
פרשת תצוה
Pure olive oil for a lamp that never goes out, and the bigdei kehunah: the robe with bells along its hem, the choshen set with twelve stones, and a gold tzitz across Aharon's forehead.
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What happens in Parshas Tetzaveh
Bnei Yisrael bring pure olive oil, from only the first drop of each olive, to light the Menorah every evening. Then Hashem describes the bigdei kehunah, the special clothes for Aharon HaKohen and his sons. The kohen gadol wears the ephod with two stones on the shoulders, and the choshen over his heart with twelve stones, each carrying the name of a shevet, so that Aharon carries all of Klal Yisrael close to his heart.
The blue robe has golden bells and pomegranates along the hem, and a gold tzitz on his forehead reads Kodesh LaHashem. Chazal teach that each garment brings forgiveness for a different sin; the robe with its bells, whose sound was heard, helps atone for lashon hara. The parsha ends with seven days of preparing the kohanim and the golden mizbeach for ketores. The commentators note that Moshe's name does not appear in this parsha at all.
Lessons and middos for children
Carrying others in our heart
Aharon wore the names of all the shevatim over his heart. We can think about others and daven for them too.Guarding our words
The bells of the robe remind us that our voices matter. We can use our words to say kind things, not lashon hara.Kavod for holy things
The kohanim wore special clothes to serve Hashem. We dress nicely for Shabbos and for shul to show kavod.
Questions for the Shabbos table
- Why do you think Aharon wore the names of the shevatim over his heart?
- What sound do you think the golden bells made as Aharon walked?
- Why do we wear special clothes on Shabbos?
- What are some kind words you can say this week instead of lashon hara?
How your child steps into the story
Your child helps press the very first drop of olive oil for the Menorah and watches in wonder as Aharon HaKohen is dressed in the bigdei kehunah. The story ends with the Menorah glowing, and the events of Ki Sisa waiting at the foot of the mountain.