B"H

Tuesday, Adar1- 11, 5784 / February 20, 2024

In last week’s Parsha, Terumah, G-d instructed Moshe on the building of the Tabernacle, its measurements, its contents, and which materials to use for each of the items in the Tabernacle.

This week’s Parsha, Tetzaveh, continues with G-d’s instructions for the Mishkan (Tabernacle).   In the beginning half of Parshat Tetzaveh, G-d instructs Moshe about the oil to be used in the Menorah (candelabra) and the clothing of the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) and the regular Kohen when performing the service in the Temple. At the end of the Parsha G-d commands Moshe about the golden altar which served to for the incense spices, which were burnt on it twice daily.

From when Moshe is first mentioned in the Torah, in the beginning of Parshat Shmot, through the Books of Leviticus and Numbers, Moshe’s name is mentioned in every Parsha.  The only exception is this week’s Parsha, Tetzaveh, in which Moshe is not mentioned by name at all.

Q.    Why is Moshe’s name not mentioned in this Parsha?

A.    After the Jewish people sinned by worshipping the Golden Calf, Moshe, as their true caring leader, pleaded with G-d to forgive them.  He said to G-d, “Please, the people have committed a terrible sin.  They have made for themselves a god of gold.  Now, if You forgive their sin then good, but if not, please erase me from your Book [the Torah] which You have written.” Although G-d did in the end forgive their sin, yet, part of Moshe’s wish came true. His name was withheld (erased) from this Parsha in the Torah.

Q.   Why was this Parsha, Tetzaveh, selected for Moshe’s name to be omitted?

A.  Moshe passed away on the 7th of the month Adar. The 7th of Adar falls during the week of Parshat Tetzaveh. Not mentioning Moshe’s name in this Parsha also hints to Moshe’s passing at this time.

Also, one of the items described in Parshat Tetzaveh are the clothing which the High Priest had to don during his service in the Temple. Moshe was originally supposed to be the High Priest, but it was taken from him and given to his brother, Aaron. Not mentioning Moshe’s name in this Parsha alludes to the fact that the High Priesthood was denied him.

Q.    Why was the high Priesthood denied him? 

A.    When G-d commanded Moshe to go to Pharaoh to tell him to let the Jewish people go, Moshe argued with G-d, claiming that he wasn’t qualified. He asked G-d to send someone else instead. After refusing for a week, G-d sent his brother, Aaron to accompany Moshe. Moshe’s refusal was considered a sin and he lost the high priesthood, and it was given to his brother, Aaron, and Aaron’s descendants.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY

UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL

& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW