Torah Minute by Rabbi Bakshi: Personal devotion, intimate connection

In this week’s Parashat Tetzaveh, the Torah concludes with the Mizbeach HaKetoret—the golden inner altar for the incense. Although most of the Mishkan’s vessels were described in last week’s portion, this altar appears only at the end of this parasha, after the garments of the Kohanim are detailed. Why is it separated from the rest? Because the Mizbeach HaKetoret represents something deeper. The outer copper altar symbolizes our public service—our prayers and our mission to elevate the world. The inner golden altar, however, represents a more private and intimate connection with Hashem, like the quiet service of the Kohen Gadol when no one else was present. The lesson is clear: beyond our visible mitzvot, we must nurture an inner relationship with Hashem—sincere, modest, and personal. When we serve Him simply because He asked us to, we create a holy and unique bond that is truly our own. #torahMinute #parsha #tetzave #hashem #chabad #jewishWoodbridge #rabbiBakshi #tabernacle #temple #altar #intimate #prayer #innerconnection #kohengadol