TETZAVEH
What You Wear, Matters
The entire world watched in astonishment at the confrontation between Trump and Zelensky over the weekend. Media reports indicated that one of the reasons for Trump’s anger was the attire Zelensky wore to the White House. Instead of a suit and tie, as befitting a high-level diplomatic meeting, Zelensky arrived in the black shirt he has worn since the beginning of the war—a symbol of his ongoing battle rather than a step toward the peace agreement the American president sought.
The question is: how important is clothing in world-changing disputes? More broadly, why do we invest so much energy in the garments we wear?
Even in the Torah, in this week’s Parsha we might find a similar curiosity. Why does Parshas Tetzaveh dedicate a lengthy chapter—43 pesukim, to instructions on designing the priestly garments? What is so important about clothing that it warrants such extensive detail?
Moreover, the sages teach that throughout history, people have sought to lay their hands on the priestly garments. From Adam, to Yaakov and Esav, to Achasverosh—each adorned himself with these sacred garments. This naturally raises the question: what is the significance of donning these garments? Does wearing the priestly clothing turn Ahasuerus into a priest?
