Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Incense Altar is to be constructed of acacia wood, 1 amah wide by 1 amah long, by 2 amot tall. It is to be plated with gold and adorned by a decorative border of gold. Two gold rings were attached to opposite edges for the carrying poles, themselves made of wood covered with gold. This Altar was placed in front of the Parochet and was used primarily for the daily offering of incense (and for part of the Yom Kippur Avoda), in the morning when the Menora was tended. Incense was offered towards evening too. No other use of the Golden Altar was permitted.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Daily procedures on the Altar are to include the sacrificing of two lambs as Burnt-Offerings, one in the morning and the second one in the late afternoon. These daily sacrifices are accompanied by flour and oil "mincha" and wine for libation.

In response to our consecration of the Kohanim, G-d Himself will sanctify the Mishkan, the Altar, and the Kohanim. "And I will dwell among the People of Israel and be their G-d" (29:45). Rabbi Yaakov Auerbach z"l points out that the numerical equivalent of that whole passuk is 2449, the year from Creation in which the Mishkan was first dedicated. That hints to the fact that the whole purpose of creation was to get to this stage where we can incorporate G-d into our midst/lives.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Torah continues describing the procedure for the offering, and the consumption of the inaugural sacrifices. G‑d commands Moshe to repeat this inaugural service for a seven day period, after which the consecration will be complete. Also included in this section is a description of how future High Priests are to be inducted.

The Parsha (and this particular Aliya) goes through so many rules about who can enjoy which sacrifice, and where they can eat their portion. If a sacrifice has been brought to G-d, it would seem that who eats the leftovers would be an insignificant afterthought. Unless, that is, you step back at the bigger picture: A sacrifice is brought either because someone transgressed a commandment, or as appreciation for something having happened to them. Either way, the point of the sacrifice is to strengthen the bond between the person and G-d. The sacrifice isn't for G-d's benefit, but for ours. Therefore, what happens to every step in its offering is important to US. Te sacrifice represents our willingness to give of our possessions, and through that giving others close to G-d benefit from your actions. The Kohen benefits from your leftovers, you benefit from expressing your bond with G-d, and G-d benefits by having better Jews.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya prescribes the procedure for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. Aaron and his sons were brought to the door of the sanctuary, they immersed in a mikvah (ritual pool), and were dressed in the priestly garments. Moshe then offered various inaugural sacrifices on their behalf.

The very first offering in the Mikdash was symbolic of the Golden Calf and came as an atonement for that sin. It's interesting to note that while the Golden Calf experience was hurtful towards G-d, it is something not shied away from, but rather confronted. As psychologists would attest, talking about hurtful events help you get over it, and more importantly, forgive those that caused it.

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe accepts Yitro's suggestions and selects the judges. Commentaries point out that the actual qualifications of the judges that Moshe selected were more "modest" than Yitro had recommended. In theory, the very highest caliber person should be sought after as judge. In reality, we often have to settle for the best we can find in our society. In other words, even if our current leaders don't live up to those of our past, doesn't mean we should respect them any less.

Moshe sends Yitro off on his journey to Midyan (to convert his family - Rashi).

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Yitro observed Moshe adjudicating all the disputes that arose among the Israelites. Yitro suggested to Moshe that such a system, one that placed such a great burden on Moshe's shoulders, would eventually wear him down. Instead, he advised Moshe to appoint a hierarchy of wise and righteous judges and to delegate his responsibilities—with Moshe presiding only over the most difficult cases. This would also free up Moshe's time to teach the Israelites the teachings of the Torah that he hears from G‑d.

Why does it take an outsider to realize that Moshe was doing things inefficiently? Many times we're so busy getting through our lives that we fail to stop and see the bigger picture. Meanwhile, our friends and family see snapshots of our lives, and can often point out things we may not realize or notice. Such was the case with Yitro, who wasn't caught up in the whirlwind of miracles and life-changing events. To Moshe's credit, he realized Yitro's suggestions were good ones, and adapted them.

Daily Aliya for Yitro, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In this week's Parsha, Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, Yitro, arrives at the Israelite encampment, and advises them to set up a smoothly functioning legal system. The Israelites experience the Divine revelation at Mount Sinai and hear the Ten Commandments.

Aliya Summary: Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, having heard all the miracles that G‑d wrought for the Israelites, came from his native Midian to the Israelite desert encampment—bringing along Moshe's wife and two sons. Moshe warmly greeted his father-in-law and recounted to him all that G‑d had done to the Egyptians. Yitro thanked G‑d for all the miracles and offered thanksgiving sacrifices.