Tetzaveh - The Inner and Outer Altars: A Reflection on True Desires
In the seventh and final Aliya of Parshas Tetzaveh, the Torah unveils a profound commandment: "Hashem said to Moshe, the inner mizbeach (altar) is holy of holies unto Hashem, and once a year on Yom Kippur, Aaron the high priest will bring an offering as atonement." Within the temple, two altars played distinctive roles—the large, main outer altar and the smaller, golden inner altar. Kabbalah teaches that the inner altar represents our deepest desires, while the outer altar symbolizes the more indirect desires leading to our innermost longings. The outer altar facilitated animal sacrifices, addressing the routine actions of our mundane lives. In contrast, the inner altar was designated for the offering of incense, reflecting our innermost desire to intensify and personalize our relationship with Hashem. In the context of divine service, this distinction implies that our mundane actions should remain external, while our relationship with Hashem constitutes the genuine an...