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Why does Parshas Terumah list all the vessels of the Mishkan except the Mizbeach HaKetores, which appears later in Parshas Tetzaveh? The shiur explains that the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s simple reading of the Torah (תורה)'s structure reveals the answer: placement after bigdei kehunah teaches that the ketores served to remove the slaughterhouse smell from both the Beis Hamikdash and the kohanim's clothing.
The shiur opens with praise for the Rishonim's mastery of peshat hamikra (the straightforward reading of scripture), calling it "unbelievable." Rabbi Zweig presents what he considers one of the most incredible examples of this mastery from Parshas Terumah, focusing on the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s explanation in the Moreh Nevuchim regarding the ketores (incense offering). The Rambam states that the Beis Hamikdash functioned as a slaughterhouse, and therefore the ketores served the practical purpose of removing the smell from both the building and from the clothing of those working there. While the first reason—removing the smell from the building—might seem intuitive, the shiur emphasizes how remarkable it is that the Rambam specifically addresses the problem of smell in the workers' clothing. The Gemara (גמרא) corroborates this, noting that kohanim did not need any separate besamim (fragrances) for their clothes because the ketores was so powerful. This level of practical insight demonstrates the Rambam's deep understanding of the realities of the Beis Hamikdash.
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Parshas Terumah and Tetzaveh - placement of Mizbeach HaKetores
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