Tetzaveh 2019
“Do not judge by the vessel, but rather by what it contains” (Pirkei Avot 4:20).
Tetzaveh
Tetzaveh 2018
This Shabbat is Shabbat Zachor, Shabbat of Remembrance, when we read about Amalek, who attacked the Jewish people in the wilderness after they had fled from Egypt. This is always read on the shabbat before Purim to link Amalek with Haman who is said to be descended from Amalek. It is a tradition in Judaism to link all those who want to destroy the Jewish people with Amalek.
Tetzaveh 2017
Every generation has its own Amalek, and it is difficult to avoid modern-day comparisons. Shabbat Zachor – the Shabbat before Purim – is the Shabbat of remembering. We are told that Haman was a descendant of Amalek, and therefore we are asked to remember that there is an ongoing force that pursues and challenges us as we journey through life.
Tetzaveh 2015
There is a connection between Ayn Keloheinu and the Sedra of Tetzaveh.We all know that Ayn Keloheinu ends with the phrase “You are the one to whom we offer incense,.." and then we read the Rabbinic texts that relate to them. It is in the Sedra of Tetzaveh that we find the commandment of incense (Ex.30 ,7-10). Whilst Sephardi and Israeli custom is to say them daily, our, Ashkanasi custom is to read them only on Shabbat. The reason is that during the week, people might rush the text and misread them.
Tetzaveh 5774
The Sidra this week has an unusual beginning, which cannot be found anywhere else. The first word in it is VE’ATAH, which means ‘AND YOU’. This is the first of four occasions when God addressed Moses in this way in relation to the construction of the Tabernacle. The first three instances are all in close proximity, one following the other. We then find it once more in the next Sidra of Ki Tissa. This form of language is unique to this story.
Tetzaveh 2014
“Do not judge by the vessel, but rather by what it contains” (Pirkei Avot 4:20).
Tetzaveh 2013
What a choice - Shabbat Tetzaveh, Shabbat Zachor with its special maftir and haftorah and Purim tomorrow!
So what might I talk about?
Tetzaveh 5773
The Sidra of Tetzaveh is unique in that it does not mention the name of Moses. All other Sidrot, since his birth, mention him. However, in this Sidra, Aaron is at the centre of our attention and his name is mentioned many times. The Almighty’s decision to omit Moses name comes to stress the two types of leadership roles represented by Moses and Aaron, which had to remain distinct. Moses was the Prophet whose function was to dictate the laws and to demand obedience and Aaron’s function was to serve God on behalf of the people and give support and comfort to anyone in distress.
Tetzave 2013
… Upon the hem of [the coat attach] … pompoms…..and bells of gold between them [Ex.28.33]
Ideas can be taken from the detailed instructions the Torah gives us. The Torah was given "Ledorotachem" for each generation to find meaning.
The Chafetz Chaim offers an explanation as to the meaning of the pompoms and bells alternatively attached to the hem of the High Priest’s coat. He quotes a commentary of Psalm 58 verse 1 given in the Talmud Hulin 89 a where the idea is expressed that the “faithful are silent, unless they are speaking Torah"Tetzave 2008
TETZAVEH
Tetzaveh is the only Sedra from the beginning of Shemot until the end of the Torah that does not contain the name of Moses, although he is essentially there through the first words of the Sedra: “Veatah tetzaveh”…. “And you shall command”. Instead, the central role is given to his elder brother Aaron, with much detail instructed about the clothing of the High Priest, and the consecration of the Priesthood.
