The portion is named Tetzaveh, , literally "you shall command", because it begins with God’s order to Moses to command the Israelites to bring pure olive oil in order to light the light in the Tabernacle regularly. literally "offering", because it begins with God telling Moses. The portion contains detailed instructions given to Moses as to the dedication of Aaron and his sons as priests in the Desert Tabernacle. They are first commanded to light a regular light in the Tabernacle. There is then a very detailed description of the clothing of the High Priest, which include different garments as well as the Ephod – a special vest on which 12 stones representing the 12 tribes of Israel are placed. Special garments for the other priests are also needed and described. Following the dressing of the priests, they are to be anointed with special sacrifices. Following their dedication, the Tabernacle is to be dedicated, as well as the altar. All these dedications are commanded with great technical detail.
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The portion is named Terumah,, literally "offering", because it begins with God telling Moses
to command the people to bring offerings that will be used in building the Desert Tabernacle. The portion contains detailed explanations as to the different cultic artifacts that are to be made for the Tabernacle. The Israelites are commanded to bring offerings of gold, silver, copper, different fabrics, leather, oils and spices, and precious stones. The artifacts that the Israelites are commanded to make are an ark, a table, and a lampstand. They are then commanded to build the actual Tabernacle, and the altar. Most of the portion is comprised of the very detailed orders given to the Israelites – precise measurements and descriptions of each artifact and the different parts of the Tabernacle.
The portion is named , the Hebrew name for Jethro, because the beginning of the portion
tells us of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, who comes to see him in the desert. At the beginning of the portion we hear of Jethro, the Midianite priest who was Moses’ father in law, who came to meet Moses in the desert, bringing Moses’ wife, Zipporah, and their two sons, with him. Jethro came after hearing of all the great miracles God performed for the Israelites, and after hearing Moses’ account of the miracles, he announces his faith in the mighty God.
After arriving, Jethro sees that Moses is busy from day to night judging the people with every little judgment that comes up. He then suggests that instead of bothering Moses with every little thing, a system which will bring to his collapse, Moses should appoint judges, to whom he will teach the laws of God, and they will judge the people. He suggests a hierarchy which will enable more difficult cases to be brought before more superior judges, and the most difficult cases will be brought before Moses himself. Moses accepts his father-in-law’s advice, and then sends him back to his home.
We then arrive at the climax of the portion and one of the most important parts of the Pentateuch: the Sinai revelation and the giving of the Ten Commandments. Moses goes up to Mount Sinai, and God gives him instructions as to how the people must prepare for the revelation, by cleansing themselves. They are also forbidden to approach the mountain. On the third day, God comes down on the smoky mountain, and delivers the Ten Commandments to them. After the revelation, the people ask Moses to bring God’s word to them from now, because hearing God speak to them directly caused them great fear. Moses then approaches God and is given instructions as to the proper altar that is to be built to worship God.
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, literally "you shall command", because it begins with God’s order to Moses to command the Israelites to bring pure olive oil in order to light the light in the Tabernacle regularly. literally "offering", because it begins with God telling Moses. 
, literally "offering", because it begins with God telling Moses
