The Torah selection of Tetzaveh continues to focus on the priesthood of ancient Israel. The narrative begins with the command to kindle the eternal flame of the Tabernacle. This light is the source of the Ner Tamid in the contemporary synagogue. The source of the energy for the flame was olive oil. The Ner Tamid progressed from olive oil to candle to electricity. The sages emphasized that the ritual was not for G-d's needs, but rather for humanity to feel a sense of partnership with the divine.

Exodus 28 describes the sacred garments of Aaron and his sons. The priestly garment consisted of the breastplate and ephod, the robe and the tunic, and the crown and the girdle.

The ephod was a short, close-fitting garment, comparable to a protective apron. It was made of fabrics of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet. It had two shoulders straps to keep it in place.

The two onyx stones had the twelve tribes engraved upon them in two columns. The breastplate of judgment, the hoshen mishpat, was known for the famous oracle, the Urim and Tumim. The kohen consulted the Urim and Tumim for advice. There were twelve precious stones on the Urim and Tumim representing the twelve tribes of Israel. The Urim and Tumim were incorporated into the insignia of Yale University.

The priestly robe was made of royal blue. It had an opening for the head of the kohen. The fringes of the robe had pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet as well as golden bells for decoration.

The priestly headdress had the words, "Holy to the L-rd" engraved upon a plate. It was placed upon Aaron's forehead.

The sons of Aaron also wore special tunics, girdles, and headdresses. Underneath their garments, linen breeches extended until their thighs. The Tabernacle had to be approached in a spirit of holiness.

Exodus 29 describes the consecration of the priesthood. The consecration ceremony required the gifts of one bull, two rams, unleavened bread, cakes, and wafers. The priests were anointed with the anointing oil. The bull was slaughtered. Its blood was placed on the horns of the altar as well as at the base of the altar. The bull was offered as a sin offering. The fat was smoked upon the altar.

Then the ram was slaughtered. The blood of the ram was sprinkled about the altar. The entire ram was smoked as a burnt offering. The second ram was used in a blood ritual with Aaron and his sons. Its blood was sprinkled on the right ear, thumb, and toe of Aaron and his sons. The blood was also sprinkled on the priestly garments. The offering was known as the ram of consecration. The ram was offered with gifts of bread, wafer, and unleavened bread. The breast of the ram was offered as a wave offering and the thigh as a heave offering.

The daily offerings consisted of two lambs offered in the morning and at dusk. A meal offering and a drink offering accompanied the offerings.

The Torah selection concludes with the description of the altar of incense. No sacrifices were offered upon this altar. It was built of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was transported through the means of wooden staves.