2021/5781
There is a striking omission in the text of Parashat Tetzaveh. Not coincidentally, Parashat Tetzaveh falls out in the week of Purim, which coincides with the week of Moshe Rabbeinu’s death. Similarly, Hashem’s name is omitted in the Megillah; so too, Moshe’s name is omitted from the text of Parashat Tetzaveh. However, in the Megillah there is a clear reason Hashem’s name is omitted: even if it’s not seen, Hashem has a hand in everything. On the contrary, there are many opinions about our Parashah. What is the significance of the blatant omission? Was it meant to be a blessing or a curse?
According to the Magen Avraham, it is no coincidence that Parshat Tetzaveh coincides with the week of Moshe Rabbeinu’s passing. Since Moshe passed away on the seventh of Adar, his name is omitted from this week's Parashah as a sign of respect. Furthermore, since Tetzaveh presents commandments regarding the Mishkan, Moshe’s name is omitted because he was the one communicating these commandments. Unlike any other Parashah, Hashem wanted this one to be special. Instead of saying, “And Hashem spoke to Moshe,” like in a normal Parashah, Hashem says, “And you will command” (Shemot 27:20), showing Moshe’s role was especially important here. This is because although Moshe Rabbeinu wasn’t given a role in the Mishkan itself, he had the great Zechut of directing the building of the Mishkan.
Another potential explanation for this omission can be seen from next week’s Parashah. After the episode of the Golden Calf, Hashem wanted to annihilate the Jewish people. However, due to Moshe’s pleading, the Jews earned a second chance. When Moshe was pleading with Hashem, he said, “VeAtah Im Tissa Chatatam Ve’Im Ayin Mecheini Na MiSifrecha Asher Katavta”, “And now, if You would just forgive their sin! — but if not, erase me from Your book that You have written” (Shemot 32:32). As part of his defense of the Jewish people, Moshe tells Hashem that if he doesn’t forgive the Jewish people, he wants to be taken out of the Torah. According to the Midrash, the Jews, in fact, were saved due to this plea. Even though they were forgiven, Moshe was still erased from this week’s Parashah because of him saying “erase me from your book.” Since Moshe was directly affecting the events in the Parashat Ki Tissa, his name could not be omitted. Thus, we learn that precision of words are exceedingly important because the effects can last forever.
Moshe Rabbeinu’s legacy was so great that the omission of his name gave him a higher Zechut of commanding the people which came straight from Hashem. Although undoubtedly Moshe was one of the greatest people to ever live, he was still Anav MiKol Adam, the humblest of all people. As a nation, it is of utmost importance to remember who controls the world. Even if a person has everything, Hashem can take it away in a second. Therefore, we must remember to live our lives to the fullest and remember that Hashem runs the world and has an ultimate plan. Have a great Purim and Shabbos!!