The VBM "Tent of Meeting" and the " Tent of Service" and the Double Role of the Kohanim (Part 2 of 2) By Rav Elchanan Samet

F. FROM MT. SINAI TO THE MISHKAN OF MEETING TO THE MISHKAN OF SERVICE Last week we developed an understanding of the literal text based on the interpretation of Rabbi Akiva and the Ibn Ezra: on the first of Nissan the Mishkan was erected and the Shekhina filled it; from this point onwards it was ready for God's meetings with Moshe. This day was simultaneously the beginning of the "seven inaugural days," following God's command to Moshe to commence them and to sanctify Aharon and his sons (Vayikra 8:2). Was this Divine command to Moshe the first that was transmitted to him in the Ohel Mo'ed? We shall see that it was not.