And you shall command the Children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil (Ex. 27:20)
The Jewish people are likened to the olive, at it states in Jeremiah (11:16): "An evergreen olive tree, beautiful in fruit and form, did the L-rd call your name." In the same way that all other liquids can be mixed together, whereas oil always floats to the top, so too is it impossible for the Jewish people to fully assimilate among the nations of the world. And when Jews carry out G-d's will, they merit to stand above the entire world.
(Midrash Raba)
And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for ornament (Ex. 28:2)
The commandment to make special priestly clothes comes directly after the mitzva to prepare pure olive oil for the menora. Oil symbolizes the intellect, which should be kept pure and unsullied. The priestly garments symbolize the physical body, the "garment" of the soul, which should be utilized "for glory and ornament." The Torah teaches that purity of thought and cleanliness of body must go together.
(Sefat Emet)
And his sound shall be heard when he comes to the Holies (Ex. 28:35)
The Torah continually stresses the importance of humility. However, when it comes to safeguarding the spiritual welfare of the Jewish people and reinforcing the observance of Torah, "His sound shall be heard when he approaches the Holies" - one must speak with forcefulness and resolve.
(Chatam Sofer)
To cause a lamp to burn continuously...outside the veil (Ex. 27:20-21)
The Divine light within every Jew must illuminate at all times, not only in the "Tent of Meeting," the synagogue or the study hall, and not only when he prays and studies Torah. Rather, the intention is to cause G-d's light to shine even "outside the veil" - in the street, in one's daily affairs, and in all one's social interactions.
(Yalkut Eliezer)
From our Sages & Moshiach Now! reprinted from LchaimWeekly.org - LYO / NYC
