TBA Tribune - March 2025

Tetzaveh
Exodus 27:20 – 30:10 

By Jen Smith 

Imagine opening a book where the main character – our hero, our guiding force – suddenly vanishes from the page. Not a single mention. Not even a whisper of his name. That’s exactly what happens in Parashat Tetzaveh – the only Torah portion, from the moment Moses steps onto the stage in Exodus until the final curtain call in Deuteronomy, where his name is completely absent.  

Though unmentioned, Moses is still very much present. Instead of calling him by name, God addresses him directly: Ve’ata tetzaveh – “And you shall command…” (Exodus 27:20). It’s as if the Torah is handing Moses a spotlight without ever speaking his name, drawing us closer to examine what it means to lead; what does it mean to be present even when unseen; or to leave a legacy that speaks louder than any voice reading a written name? 

This mysterious omission isn’t just a quirk – it’s an invitation. An invitation to rethink leadership, presence, and the true measure of influence. Because sometimes, the most powerful figures are the ones who don’t need to be named at all.  

The chapter begins with the command to bring pure olive oil to kindle the ner tamid, the eternal flame in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Zohar, a Jewish mystical text, teaches that this light represents the divine soul within us – an eternal spark longing to connect to something greater. The ner tamid was not just a physical light; it symbolized the ongoing responsibility of the Jewish people to keep the spiritual flame of Torah and the mitzvot alive.  

In Kabbalah, oil is often used as a metaphor for hidden wisdom; it is only revealed when pressed, much like when our deepest abilities and strength emerges during challenging times. The act of lighting the menorah was not just the duty or chore of the kohanim (priests); it is a reminder that each of us has a spark of divine light, and as Jews, we are called to illuminate the world with acts of kindness, justice, and connection. 

A central theme in Tetzaveh is the priestly garments, particularly those of the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). Our ancient rabbis note that these garments were not just elaborate ritual costumes; they were spiritual tools in the quest to elevate the Israelite community. 

The breast plate (Choshen Mishpat) had the names of all twelve tribes, symbolizing that the leader must carry the entire community in their heart. 

The tzitz (golden forehead plate) bore the words Kodesh L’Hashem (Holy to God), a written reminder that to the priests of the importance of leading from a position rooted in sacred purpose. Finally, the ephod (priestly apron) connected the human with the mystical, representing the holiness of human action that is inspired by and connected to God. Kind of like a spiritual theory of quantum entanglement: two particles mysteriously linked in a way that defies common sense, so if you alter one particle, the other instantly changes too, regardless of the distance between them.  

The priestly garments are guideposts; they reminded the priests that they are not separate from the people they lead – they represent the people. Great leaders carry the burdens, hopes, and struggles of their communities while striving to uplift everyone, not just a favored few. 

Ba’al HaTanya, founder of Chabad, offers a mystical interpretation of the Kohen Gadol. He taught that just as the High Priest wore the names of all the tribes of Israel, so does each Jew carry not only a unique Divine spark, but a spark of the collective soul of all Israel. We are spiritually entangled – when one person is hurt, the entire nation feels the pain; when one person rises joyfully to fulfill mitzvot, we are all elevated in our holiness. 

This is why community engagement is a central, and inextricable, part of Jewish life. We don’t seek spirituality in isolation; we built the Mishkan, we build synagogues, study groups, tzedakah initiatives, Tikkun Olam events, and commit to gemilut chasadim (acts of loving kindness) to lift each other higher.  

Tetzaveh challenges us to consider how we can be Kohanim Gedolim: How can we, in our own way, be “high priests” for our families, friends, and communities? 

Tetzaveh reminds us that each of us is a light – our deeds, words, and character has the power to inspire others. Like the ner tamid, we are guardians of our inner flame, a Divine spark that thrives when it is nurtured and shared.  

We all wear priestly garments; if not in a literal sense, then in the way we inspire and uplift those in our orbit. Leadership is not about status or privilege – it is a sacred responsibility. We are all connected – thus, our spiritual and communal obligations are not individual pursuits, but rather collective efforts to bring holiness into the world. 

This Shabbat, may we find new ways to nurture our inner light so that we can more deeply connect to ourselves and our community. As Jews we are commanded not only to spread the light, but to Be the light. In doing so, we fulfill the deeper call of Tetzaveh – to be active participants in sustaining the divine presence in our world. 

Shabbat Shalom.