Tetzaveh

The people are to bring clear, beaten olive oil so that a lamp burns continually in the tent of meeting, tended by Aaron and his sons from evening to morning — a statute forever. Aaron and his sons — Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Itamar — are set apart to serve as priests, and skilled workers are to make Aaron's garments "for glory and for beauty."

The garments are described piece by piece: the ephod of gold and blue, purple, and scarlet, with two shoham stones on its shoulders engraved with the names of the twelve tribes; the breastpiece of judgment, a doubled span with four rows of twelve stones, one for each tribe, bound to the ephod so that Aaron carries the names of the children of Israel over his heart, with the Urim and Thummim inside; the robe all of blue, its hem ringed with golden bells and pomegranates of yarn, sounding as he goes in and out; the plate of pure gold on the turban engraved "Holy to the LORD"; the checkered tunic, turban, and sash — and tunics, sashes, and caps for his sons.

The ordination follows: seven days of consecration with a bull and two rams, washing, dressing, and anointing; blood placed on the right ear, thumb, and big toe; a ram of ordination whose portions are waved before the LORD. The altar is atoned and consecrated seven days. Then the daily rhythm is fixed — two lambs, one at morning and one at twilight, with flour, oil, and wine, at the entrance where God promises to meet and dwell with Israel. The portion closes with the golden altar of incense before the veil, where Aaron burns spices every morning and evening, and its once-a-year atonement on its horns.