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Why separate Parshas Terumah from Tetzaveh, and why place the Mizbeach HaKetores in Tetzaveh? The shiur explains that Terumah represents what Hashem (ה׳) does for us, while Tetzaveh contains mitzvos that allow us to give back—addressing the discomfort of nahama d'kisufa. Healthy relationships require both receiving and giving; Hashem created opportunities for us to contribute so we don't feel like parasites.
The shiur addresses a fundamental question: why does the Torah (תורה) divide the Mishkan's description between Parshas Terumah and Parshas Tetzaveh, and why specifically does the Mizbeach HaKetores (Golden Altar) appear in Tetzaveh rather than Terumah with the other vessels? Rabbi Zweig cites the Vilna Gaon's comment in the Aderes Eliyahu that the Mizbeach HaZahav belongs in Tetzaveh because it does not come "l'chaper"—it is not for atonement. This cryptic statement needs explanation: why should the lack of kapparah function determine which parsha contains this mitzvah (מצוה)?
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Parshas Terumah, Parshas Tetzaveh
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