Parshat Tetzaveh
By David Chadow

Here is a great trivia question. What is unique about this week’s parsha that separates it from every parsha found is the last four sefarim of the Torah? The answer is that in Parshat Tetzaveh, Moshe’s name is excluded and cannot be found within the Parsha. Why? Two good reasons are given. One is that this parsha is usually read during the week of zayin adar – Moshe’s yahrtzeit – so this serves as a reminder that Moshe is not here. The second reason is that when Hashem was going to destroy Bnai Yisrael after the Chet Haegel, Moshe asked him to wipe out his name as well if Hashem was going to destroy Bnai Yisrael. While Hashem did eventually forgive His people, the absence of Moshe’s name is a reminder of just how close we came to destruction.

Another major topic in theis weeek’s parsha is the bigdei Kehuna. Much time is spent discussing the urim and tumin. Why? An answer that is suggested is that through the urim and tumim, we , the people, have a direct line to Hashem. If the Cohen Gadol was asked a question for which he had no answer, he would consult the urim and tumim. In this fashion, Hashem answered the question directrly. In a sense, the urim and tumim are a direct telegraph relayer from us to Hashe. That is why this important garment gets so much of the play in the is week’s parsha.

This Shabbat we read Parshat Zachor – a remembrance of the forbears of Haman. We were instructed then and now to wipe out Amalek. As Haman did as well – Amalek attacked the Jews without cause and for no reason. It is for this reason that they are defeated!

Shabbat shalom and chag sameach