Exodus 30

This week’s Torah portion contains the Miluim, the installment of the priesthood. It is one of the most important events in the narrative of Sinai, yet it is often overlooked.

For 7 days, Aaron and his sons bring sacrifices before Hashem. Blood is smeared on errands right ear, right thumb, and the right big toe. The blood of the offering is then splashed on the sons of Aaron. Prior to this, the sons of Aaron are based in water, and then they have oil poured on their heads, they are anointed.

The 3 liquids of Torah are used in the seven-day ritual to install Aaron and his sons as the priests of Israel. Each liquid has a special significance. Water is used to make things and people ritually clean, Tahor. Oil, pure olive oil, is used to sanctify things and people before Hashem. Blood is Hashem’s sign of covenant.

All 3 liquids are used in the ritual. This is done so the children of Israel will know and understand that Aaron and his sons are kadosh, they are set apart, they are different. They have a rule different than all other people on earth, they have rolled different than all the rest of the children of Israel. This ritual establishes Aaron and his sons as being sanctified as one of the legs of leadership for the children of Israel forever more.

The Miluim, the investiture of the priests, is important to understand as a lesson for all time. The kahuna, the priesthood, is sanctified, it is set apart, it is holy. This does not in any way mean that priests are better than other people. This does not mean that priests are better than other children of Israel. But it means is that the priests have a special role, and that they are set apart by Hashem. The ritual of the Miluim assures that all Israel sees and understands this fact.

The lesson here is simple. Certain people, both individuals and groups, are set apart by Hashem for certain purposes. This should not arouse jealousy. This should not arouse misunderstanding. This should not arouse covetousness. They are simply set apart, that’s all. The priesthood is set apart just as Israel is set apart. Israel is a kingdom of priests because Israel is set apart as the priests are set apart in the Miluim. Shabbat shalom