BackThe Meaning of Service
By: Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger
In this week’s parsha, we learn of the priestly garments. These are the special vestments worn by the Cohanim to officiate in the Tabernacle in the desert, and later in the Jerusalem Temple. This begs the question. Isn’t spirituality internal? Why are there so many verses spent on clothing and accessories?
Rashi suggests that the term “priesthood,” which is the Hebrew root of Cohen, denotes service. The Cohen is reminded of his role in service of both G-d and the Children of Israel through his uniform, so to speak. The way we present reflects our purpose.
The Jewish people is called in the Torah a “Mamlechet Cohanim,” a nation of priests. Our mission is to serve. All of the symbolism around our prayer and learning, from Tallis to Tefillin to marking Shabbat, remind us of our goal to serve, and in so doing, to change our world for the better.