The Eternal Light

Source: (Exodus 27:20 Yalkut Shimoini 378)

The Torah portion begins by describing the light of the Menorah as an "eternal light". G-d told the B'nei Yisroel, "In this world (Olam Hazeh), you were in need of the light coming from the Temple. In the world to come, in the merit of the light which burned in the Temple, I will bring you Melech HaMoshiach who is compared to a flame as it is written (Tehillim 132:17) "I provided a flame for my Moshiach".  

G-d also said, "I myself will make for you light as the prophet Isaiah says, "G-d will be for you a light in the world".  

In the Holy Temple, the menorah was lit daily and remained lit for the entire day. For this reason, the windows in the Holy Temple were built in a way that it widened on the outer part of the wall, so that the holy light would emanate to the entire world.

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Choshen - Moshiach

Source: (Exodus 28:15-30 Sanhedrin 93a, Likutei Sichos 11:138)

The Choshen was one of the 8 garments that the Kohen Gadol wore in the Temple.  

The numerical value of the word Choshen equals 358. The word Moshiach also equals 358.  

The Choshen contained the Urim V'tumim. When the B'nei Yisroel had a question they presented it to the Kohen Gadol when he was wearing the Choshen. G-d's answer would come through the Urim V'tumim. The letters which formed the answer would light up on the Choshen and the Kohen Gadol would read the message through Divine Inspiration.

So too, Moshiach has the ability to judge and solve questions and problems through Divine Inspiration, as it is stated in Gemorrah that by "smelling" -- a unique holy "smelling", a deeper and prophetic understanding - he will be able to clarify and solve all problems.  

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Aaron... Aaron...Aaron

Source: (Exodus 28:1 Baal Haturim)

In introducing the subject of the priestly garments, the verse mentions the name "Aaron" three times.  

Why does the verse need to repeat his name? It can simply say "he". This is to teach us that each "Aaron" represents something different.  

The first "Aaron" stands for the first Temple, the second "Aaron" stands for the second Temple and the third "Aaron" stands for the third Temple.  

Aaron was the first Kohen Gadol - high-priest. Only priests may perform the service in the Holy Temple. All priests are descendants of Aaron and therefore he participates in the all services in all three Holy Temples. Even in the original commandment, the Torah hints to the service of the priests in the third Temple.

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Pure Olive Oil

Source: (Exodus 27:20 Medrash Chodosh p.257 in Torah Shleima 27:88. Midrash Hagadol)

Only pure olive oil, made from the first few drops when the olives were squeezed, would be used for lighting the Menorah. At first taste, the olive seems bitter, but after a few moments, the taste sweetens. The sweet taste is only preceded by the olive's bitterness, but the sweet taste remains. 

The Jewish people, too, are compared to olives. We endure much trouble, suffering, trials and tribulations in exile. Finally, after so many years in exile, the final redemption through Moshiach will come and its sweetness will be everlasting. We will taste the sweetness and purity of the redemption, for which we've been waiting for thousands of years.  

More so, when Moshiach comes, our faces will shine like rays of the sun, like the clear and bright light that is given off when pure olive oil burns.

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Aharon’s Return 

Source: (Exodus 28 Sanhedrin 90b)

This week's parsha speaks about all the special clothing which was made for Aaron the Kohen Gadol. When the Redemption comes, Aaron will come back to life and return to his duties as Kohen Gadol! 

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Paving The Way For The Days Of Moshiach

Source: Exodus 28:17 - 25:6 Medrash Hagodol, Parshas Terumah)

The Midrash connects the items that G-d requested from the Jewish people for the Mishkan and priestly garments to the Redemption:  

1 - "Precious stones," in order that in the future, G-d will build Yerushalayim with precious pearls and stones.  

2 - "Shemen Lamoer" (Oil to shine) this was in order to illuminate the B'nei Yisroel in the time of Moshiach, as it is written, (Hoshea 14:7) "And his radiance will be like an olive".  

3 - "Spices for the oil ointment and for the incense". This was in order that the beautiful smell of the Jewish people will be spread out in the era of Moshiach.

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