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Why does Parshas Tetzaveh place the Mizbeach HaKetoret at the end, after the bigdei kehunah and inauguration, rather than with the other vessels in Terumah? The Rambam (רמב"ם) in Moreh Nevuchim reveals that the ketoret served not only to neutralize the odor in the Mishkan from constant animal slaughter, but specifically to remove smells from the Kohanim's clothing. The Torah (תורה)'s placement teaches that the incense related not just to the sanctuary structure but to the Kohanim, their garments, and the sacrificial service itself.
Rabbi Zweig explores a profound insight from the Rambam (רמב"ם) in Moreh Nevuchim (Part 3) regarding the purpose and placement of the Mizbeach HaKetoret (golden altar of incense). The Rambam addresses a fundamental question: why do we need a Mizbeach HaKetoret at all? His answer reveals both practical wisdom and deep textual analysis. The Rambam explains that the Mishkan and later the Beis Hamikdash functioned as a "major league slaughterhouse." With constant animal sacrifices—particularly intensive on days like Erev Pesach (פסח) and Yom Kippur—the smell would have been overwhelming. Anyone who has visited a slaughterhouse understands how terrible the odor is despite modern ventilation. The primary purpose of the ketoret (incense) was to counteract this smell and make the sacred space bearable.
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Parshas Tetzaveh - Mizbeach HaKetoret placement; Rambam Moreh Nevuchim Part 3
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