Parshat Tetzaveh is the second parsha in the series of Parshiot that discuss the Tabernacle. Last week, in Parshat Terumah, we learned about the construction of the Tabernacle and the materials used for it. In this week's parsha, we learn about the Priests’ and High Priests' official garments.
But there is something unusual in the parsha, because for the first time after the birth of Moshe Rabbeinu, his name is not mentioned in the Parsha. Without looking in the commentators, I would simply say since Parshat Tetzaveh is the continuation of Parshat Terumah, and it is all one story regarding the Tabernacle, there is no need to re-say that HaShem spoke to Moshe. Also, when we look at Parshat Terumah, Moshe Rabbeinu’s name is only mentioned towards the beginning of the parsha anyways.
But as many of us know, the commentators have a deeper reason for the absence of Moshe Rabbeinu’s name. The most famous answer is that when HaShem wanted to punish and destroy Am Yisrael after the sin of the golden calf, Moshe Rabbeinu asked from HaShem to not destroy Am Yisrael, and if not, HaShem should erase Moshe Rabbeinu’s name from the Torah. Although it is true that HaShem forgave Am Yisrael, since Moshe Rabbeinu said HaShem should erase Moshe Rabbeinu’s name from the Torah, HaShem did so. The reason Moshe Rabbeinu’s name was erased specifically in this week's parsha is because Parshat Tetzaveh falls on the day that Moshe Rabbeinu was born and passed away.
This explanation raises a lot of questions. Because Moshe Rabbeinu was there to defend Am Yisrael and help them, and he gave his life for the
Up till now, Aharon was asked by HaShem to respect Moshe Rabbeinu’s leadership, despite the fact that he was older than Moshe Rabbeinu and that he was the first leader. Now that Aharon passed the test, it’s Moshe Rabbeinu’s test, if he would be able to share his leadership with Aharon HaCohen, one that is completely the opposite, and was more loved by the Jewish people, as Aharon was the man of the people.
Of course, Moshe Rabbeinu passed his test successfully, and that’s why Moshe Rabbeinu’s name is not written in this week's parsha, to show that it’s not about him, and that it is time to pass on the leadership. Today is also Purim Katan. When we look at the end of the Megillah, we learn that most people were happy with Mordechai, but not all were, and they had their own reasons why. We learn from here that you can never satisfy everyone, but we also learn that Mordechai and Esther shared their leadership, despite all the differences we can see throughout the Megillah, they still respected each other and helped each other to bring salvation for Am Yisrael. Wishing you all Shabbat Shalom and Purim Katan Sameach.