Tetzaveh 5771

In this week's parsha, Moshe's brother Aharon and Aharon's sons are appointed Cohanim (priests) to manage the sacrifices offered in the sanctuary. The parsha details the garments Aharon will wear. Included is a long robe whose bottom edge is trimmed with golden bells. "It should be on Aharon when he performs the service and its sound should be heard when he enters the Holy Place before G-d." Over the robe, Aharon wears an apron.

Why does the Torah provide such detailed instructions for clothing?

By paying so much attention to clothing, the Torah informs us that there is an important relationship between what we wear and what we do. What we wear greatly influences how we act, how we perceive ourselves and how others perceive us. This makes a strong argument for school uniforms, business suits and doctors' white coats. It also suggests that there is an appropriate time and place for pajamas, gym attire and beachwear. Each of these outfits signifies a specific status, or that the wearer is entrusted with a specific job, or engaged in a specific activity. Clothing both dignifies and distinguishes us.

The general purpose of the priestly garments is to glorify Aharon and his sons and to inaugurate them as priests. Some of the garments are purely decorative; others are functional as well. It would seem that the apron, which fits over the robe, does not serve a purpose and is merely ornamental. In his commentary, the medieval Biblical commentator Rashi surmises that the apron does have a function: it gives Aharon an extra measure of modesty, ensuring that parts of the body that are meant to be covered and private are not exposed.

The noisy bells on the hem of the robe also teach us about privacy. Just as the Cohen is not permitted to enter the Holy Place without making his presence known through the jingling of bells, we should never enter a room or a house, even our own, without knocking. We should never sneak up anyone or take them unaware. We must teach our children to respect our privacy and the privacy of others.

In Parshat Yitro, before He gives the Ten Commandments, G-d designates the Jewish people as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This special role requires us to dress in a manner that befits this designation. Though our children may pressure us to allow them to fit in by wearing the casual and revealing styles that are popular today, we parents must remind them who they are and what their clothing represents. We truly are what we wear.