RAV KOOK ON Parshat Tetzave PART 1

Translated and abridged by Rabbi Chanan Morrison Parshat Tetzave The Talmud (Shabbat 31a) tells the story of three Gentiles who wished to convert. In each case, they were initially rejected by the scholar Shamai, known for his strictness, but they were later accepted and converted by the famously modest Hillel. The Convert Who Wanted to be High Priest In one case, a Gentile was walking near a synagogue when he heard the Torah being read and translated: "These are the clothes that you should make: the jeweled breast-plate, the ephod-apron..." (Ex. 28:4). His interest was piqued. 'For whom are these fancy clothes?' he asked. 'They are special garments for the Kohen Gadol, the High Priest.' The Gentile was excited. 'For this, it is worth becoming a Jew. I'll go convert and become the next High Priest!'