Parashat Tetzaveh: The power of words

Parashat Tetzaveh

Exodus 28:20-30:10

Every so often while I am researching and studying the weekly parshah, so that I can glean a morsel of our rabbis’ teachings and use it to help develop this weekly column, I come across a rabbinic interpretation that needs to be shared in its entirety.  Such is this week’s Words of Torah written by Lord Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi of Great Britain.

THE SEDRAH OF TETZAVEH, as commentators have noted, has one unusual feature: it is the only sedrah from the beginning of Shemot (Book of Exodus) to the end of Devarim (Book of Deuteronomy) that does not contain the name of Moses. Several interpretations have been offered:

The Vilna Gaon suggests that it is related to the fact that in most years it is read during the week in which the seventh of Adar falls: the day of Moses' death. During this week we sense the loss of the greatest leader in Jewish history - and his absence from Tetzaveh expresses that loss.

The Baal haTurim relates it to Moses' plea, in next week's sedrah, for G-d to forgive Israel. "If not," says Moses, "blot me out of the book you have written" (32: 32). There is a principle that "The curse of a sage comes true, even if it was conditional [and the condition has not been satisfied]" (Makkot 11a). Thus, for one week his name was "blotted out" from the Torah.

The Paneach Raza relates it to another principle: "There is no anger that does not leave an impression".  When Moses, for the last time, declined G-d's invitation to lead the Jewish people out of Egypt, saying, "Please send someone else", G-d "became angry with Moses" (Ex. 4: 13-14) and told him that his brother Aaron would accompany him. For that reason Moses forfeited the role he might otherwise have had, of becoming the first of Israel's priests, a role that went instead to Aaron. That is why he is missing from the sedrah of Tetzaveh, which is dedicated to the role of the Cohen.

All three explanations focus on an absence. However, perhaps the simplest explanation is that Tetzaveh is dedicated to a presence, one that had a decisive influence on Judaism and Jewish history.

The key is to now take Dr. Sacks teaching and to use it to help our children understand that there are times when things do not need to be overtly stated, or even referenced, or mentioned.  As parents we often “read” our children’s body language without them ever needing to say a word.  We know when they are happy, sad, confused, or even hiding something.  This lesson in social queues is often a difficult one for children to grasp, and this is often the one that gets them into difficult situations with their peers.  

So this week, take this opportunity to role-play, discuss, or even pick apart a TV show or two, and help your child read beyond the surface.  For although Moses is not mentioned in this week’s parashah directly, we all know that what you see is not always what you get.

Shabbat shalom