Parsha_Push for Tetzaveh

In our Parsha, Moshe is commanded to prepare and train the priests for their job. The actions mentioned are to “bring them forward”, “dress them”, “anoint them”, “ordain them”, “consecrate them” in order for them “to serve God”. Regarding most of these actions, the priests are passive. Moshe is the one actively dressing them and anointing them. After they are consecrated, they will be become active and start serving on their own.
Moshe is also commanded to consecrate the alter by purging it for the sake of “kappara”, and anoint it for the sake of consecration. Alongside with the usual translation of “kappara” as atonement or purification, we find another meanings of the root kp”r, which is to cover, like the “kapporet” covering the ark. Thus, the altar is covered, like the priests, and it too is anointed and consecrated passively through the offerings sacrificed upon it.
Later in the Bible we will find the root חנ”ך, chn”kh (to train) applied both to objects such as the altar and the shrine, and to man. Mishlei advises: “Train a lad in the way he ought to go”. The term chinukh is used nowadays as education, but it also embodies training and designating – both that of a vessel or house and that of a person.
And yet there is a big difference between the two. An inanimate object will continue on its course unless disturbed. The house and altar will continue fulfilling their purpose as long as others wish them to. But a person has free will and will not always fulfill his original designation. Once becoming an active being, he will choose his path.
In our parsha, the priests and the altar stay passive for seven days, and are then all consecrated to their holy designations. In Vayikra we will find what happens on the eighth day, when the priests become active and free will kicks in. We will find out who will continue on their designated course, so “He will not swerve from it even in old age”, and who will choose to stray from the course, bringing an external fire. Free will enables a person to forsake his purpose, but also makes the ongoing choice to continue and serve God one of absolute significance.