I. The Mystery of the Missing Name
In every Torah portion from the birth of Moshe until the end of the Torah, his name appears—except for Parshat Tetzaveh.
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The Reason: After the Golden Calf, Moshe pleaded with Hashem to forgive the Jewish people, saying, "If not, erase me from Your book." Even though Hashem forgave them, the words of a Tzaddik leave an impression, and his name was omitted from this portion.
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The Significance: Tetzaveh usually falls around Zayin Adar (the 7th of Adar), the date of Moshe Rabbeinu’s passing.
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"Ve'atah" (And You): Though his name is missing, the Parsha begins with "Ve'atah"—addressing Moshe's essence. Sometimes, a person's presence is felt even more powerfully through their absence ("Nifkadeta").
II. Parshat Zachor: Remembering Amalek
This Shabbat, we read the special portion of Zachor, a biblical commandment to remember what Amalek did to the Jewish people.
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The Practical Dilemma: Today, we don't know who the biological descendants of Amalek are (due to the historical mixing of nations by Sennacherib). So why the special Torah reading?
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The Spiritual Definition: Amalek represents the "disconnect" between the head and the heart. Amalek is one who "knows his Master but intends to rebel."
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Bridging the Gap: In Hashem's name, the Yud-Kei represents wisdom/intellect, and the Vav-Kei represents action/expression. Amalek wages war on the Vav-Kei, trying to prevent our knowledge from becoming action. We read this portion to receive the strength to ensure our learning leads to doing.
III. Mordechai’s Choice: Community vs. Personal Growth
The Megillah records that Mordechai was "accepted by the majority of his brothers," implying a minority of scholars disagreed with his involvement in government.
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Torah vs. Saving Lives: The Talmud notes that Mordechai dropped one "rank" in the Sanhedrin after entering the king's service.
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The Chabad Approach: While personal growth is vital, when a fellow Jew is in need, we follow the path of Mordechai. We take time away from our own study to help another.
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The Promise: When you "lose" personal time to help a weaker student or a community member, Hashem ensures that your remaining time is so blessed that you achieve even more than you would have alone.