The Quest
Before I even open the parsha, I already know what I want to explore.
It's the stones. The precious jewels — or more accurately, the precious rocks.
And it's their connection to the names of the Shevatim (the twelve tribes). What do the Shevatim have to do with rocks — even precious ones?
And what does any of this have to do with Aharon HaKohein and the Mishkan?
Why stones? Why these stones? Why Aharon HaKohein? Why the Mishkan?
Those are my questions. And I come in without any answers. Not even a clue where to start.
So, I'll start where I always start — with the verses themselves.