“V’Atoh Titzaveh” - “And you shall command...” are the opening words of this week’s parsha. The immediate question that comes to mind is who is “you”? Obviously, the reference is to Moshe Rabbenu - but that makes it even more puzzling. Why is he not mentioned by name - since we know that from the time of his birth he is mentioned in each and every portion. So why is it omitted here?

Our sages teach that, after the sin of the Golden Calf, G-d’s wrath was kindled against His people and He was ready to destroy them. Moshe Rabbenu pleaded on their behalf with the stirring words: “And now, if You would please forgive their sins...And if not, erase my name from Your Book...” G-d forgave, but nevertheless, Moses’ self-proclaimed punishment came to be, and thus, his name is missing from this portion.

There are many difficulties here that beg explanation: 1) How could the erasing of Moshes’ name be a bargaining point in granting atonement to the people? 2) and since G-d forgave, why should Moshe be punished? Why should his name be omitted from this parsha?
In Hebrew the word “name”- “shem”, also means “there”, for there in the name is to be found the essence, the unique mission with which every person is endowed. Thus, the root word of “neshama”- “soul” is “shem”-“name”. As it is written, “The candle of G-d is the soul of man..” Moreover every name has a passage in the Torah that reflects that mission. At the conclusion of the Amidah - silent devotion, we recite that passage - so it behooves each and every one of us to know our passage by heart. Moshe argued that if the nation fashioned a golden calf, it must be that he failed in his mission as their teacher and therefore he was responsible and his name should be erased from G-d’s Holy Book. Moshe put himself on the line and was prepared to sacrifice his life for his people. Such selfless love is the sign of a true leader. According to the Kaballah, Moshe Rabbenu was known as the “Roe Ne’eman” “Loyal Shepherd”. His love for his flock was so all-consuming that he was prepared to lay down his very life for their sake.

There is a lesson to be gleaned herein for all of us. Love and sacrifice go hand in hand. A lesson which is too often forgotten in our self centered, self indulgent society. A sign of true love is the willingness to sacrifice for others, for our families, for our people and for our G-d. Thus it is written, “Make His (G-d’s) will, your will.”

But the question still remains....why was Moshe penalized for his awesome devotion? Why was his name omitted from the parsha? That omission was not a punishment - rather, it was a tribute to Moshe that testifies to his total devotion and love.

But why was his name omitted specifically in this parsha? This parsha is almost always read during the week on which the seventh day of Adar (which commemorates Moshe Rabbenu’s yahrzeit) falls. Thus, for all time, Moshe Rabbenu’s yahrzeit is enshrined in the hearts of the Jewish people, for when we come to parshas Tetzaveh and find his name missing, we are reminded that it is the yahrzeit of our Rabbi- Moshe Rabbenu - the Rabbi of all Israel, who continues to plead on our behalf in the Heavens above.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Osher

Parshas Tetzaveh 9 Adar 1st, 5765
Candle lighting time, Friday evening, February 18, 2005 5:14 PM
Sabbath ends, Saturday evening, February 19, 2005 6:25 PM