The Mystery of the Missing Name
In every Torah portion from the birth of Moses until the end of the book of Deuteronomy, the name "Moshe" appears—except for Parshat Tetzaveh.
This absence is rooted in a moment of ultimate self-sacrifice. When the Jewish people sinned with the Golden Calf, Moses issued an ultimatum to God: "If You do not forgive them, erase me from the book You have written." Even though God forgave the people, the words of a Tzaddik (a righteous person) always leave an impression. Thus, his name was "erased" from this specific portion.
The Essence of "You" While his name is absent, the portion begins with the words "V’atah Tetzaveh"—"And you shall command." In Chassidic thought, a name is merely a handle, a superficial label. The word "You" (Atah) refers to the essence of the soul. By being willing to give up his name for the sake of the people, Moses revealed his truest, deepest self.
The Bells and the Bottom of the Coat
The High Priest (Kohen Gadol) wore eight special garments, including a blue robe (Me’il). On the hem of this robe were golden bells and fabric pomegranates. The Torah mandates that these bells must make a sound when the Priest enters and leaves the Sanctuary so that "his voice shall be heard."
Why the Noise? Usually, the highest levels of spirituality are associated with "a thin, silent voice" (Kol Demamah Dakkah). However, the bells were specifically on the bottom of the coat.
-
The "Bottom" Level: These represent the individuals who feel they are at the bottom—those struggling with mistakes, negativity, or a lack of self-worth.
-
The Cry of the Baal Teshuva: Someone in a "jam" or a dangerous place doesn't walk quietly; they scream for help. They run with excitement and noise to escape the "mud" of their circumstances.
-
Sacred Tumult: The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that in our generation—the "heels of Moshiach"—we must use "bells and whistles." We use tanks, parades, and loud music to spread holiness, using the "tools of the world" to bring people closer to God.
7 Adar: The Birthday that Overrides the Passing
The 7th of Adar is the yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of Moses, but it is also his birthday.
-
The Haman Mistake: Haman rejoiced when his lottery fell on Adar because he knew Moses died then. He didn't realize that Moses was also born on that day.
-
Joy Overrides Judgment: The joy of birth transforms the sorrow of passing. This is why we increase in joy (Marbin Besimcha) for the entire month.
-
60 Days of Joy: In a leap year (like this one), we have two months of Adar. This creates 60 days of joy, which, according to the laws of Bitul (nullification), has the power to "dissolve" and nullify all negativity and sadness.
A Living Legacy
We dedicate this learning to the memory of Nachum ben Tzvi Hirsch, a man who lived with the secret of wealth: Eizehu ashir? Hasameach bechelko—"Who is rich? He who is happy with his lot."
Having survived the persecution of Soviet Russia, he maintained a life of spirit over matter. Today, his legacy lives on through dozens of descendants named after him—a "living testimony" that while the haters of Israel vanish, those who cling to the Torah and perform acts of kindness endure for eternal generations.
Final Thought: May our "noise"—our excitement for Yiddishkeit and our joy in the face of struggle—bring us to the ultimate celebration with the coming of Moshiach, and the reunion with all our loved ones.