Tetzaveh
POWER OF CONCEALMENT
Less is More
The portion of Tetzaveh is the only portion in the Torah that includes Moses - yet never mentions his name. We learn from this that when something is concealed, it can be revealed in even greater measure. Following the incident of the Golden Calf - when the Israelites created an idol while Moses was on Mt. Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments - Moses pleads with G-d to forgive their collective sin. In his selflessness, he tells G-d to "blot me out of the book You have written" as a way to atone for the sins of those that created the idol.
The commentators suggest that, as a result of this request, it is specifically in this portion that Moses' was removed from the Torah. Yet, even without his name, the entire portion consists of G-d speaking directly to him - instructing him how to elevate Aaron as the High Priest, and how to establish divine service on earth for the benefit of the people.
Though concealed, Moses' role and presence is profound and significant. His role is not diminished - it is amplified. This teaches us that sometimes the greatest influence comes not through visibility, but through humility. When the ego is removed, Light can be revealed at a higher level.
Secret of the Priest’s Clothing
The portion describes in detail the priestly garments. The Kabbalists explain that each vestment served as a spiritual tool to cleanse specific forms of negativity:
- the Ephod (Vest) cleansed any form of idol worshiping;
- the Choshen (Breastplate) cleansed harsh judgment;
- the Tunic cleansed negative speech and gossip;
-the Tzitz (Forehead Plate) removed audacity and bravado;
- the Mitre (Turban) cleansed ego,
- the Robe cleansed negativity from murder and character assassination; and
- the Girdle / Belt cleansed negative thoughts.
The garmenbts were not merely clothing - they were instruments of transformation. The Breastplate, considered to be a highly technical vestment, contained 12 stones engraved with the names of each of the 12 tribes along with a pocket to hold the Urim and Tumim - translated as "Lights and Perfections". The Zohar explains that the Urim contained the 42-letter name of G-d, and the Tumim contained the 72 Names of G-d. These sacred tools were consulted when the High Priest sought clarity and answers on behalf of the people.
The key thing is to know that these tools are available to each of us today. The 72 names can be lfound in the portion of Beshalach and more details are provided here: https://www.thehealinggift.com/chart/. The 42-Name of G-d is accessed through the powerful Ana Bekoach prayer found in daily prayer books. Thanks to the revelation of this wisdom is recent generations, we are no longer dependent on the High Priset to elevate our consciousness. The access point is within each of us.
Shabbat Zachor
Shabbat Zachor (“Sabbath of Remembrance") is the Shabbat immediately preceding Purim, this year coinciding with Tetzaveh. On this Shabbat we read a special section from parsha Ki Teitze, that recounts the attack by Amalek. Spiritually, Amalek is a code word for "doubt". It shares the same numerical value (240) as the Hebrew word "safek" - doubt. The Talmud teaches that Haman, the antagonist of the Purim story, descended from Amalek.
When we have any form of doubt in our lives, we are disconnected from the Light and the power of certainty - preventing us from achieving our potential. The Torah describes how Amalek attacked "from the rear," targeting those who were tired and spiritually weak. This is exactly how doubt enters our lives - quietly from behind when we are weak or have lost our connection to certainty.
By always remembering Amalek, we can hopefully overcome doubt and connect to the power of certainty. The obligation to hear this reading is so important that it is one of the rare Torah portions that men, woman and children are all required to hear.
Resources & Credits
The Weekly Wisdom emails and the ideas presented herein are compiled from the following sources:
Gutnick Edition Chumash with Rashi's commentary, Targum Onkelos, and commentary anthologized from Classic Rabbinic Texts and the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe
Apples from the Orchard - Gleanings from the Mystical Teachings of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria on the Weekly Torah Portion
Kabbalistic Bible - Kabbalah Centre International, Inc
The Zohar - Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, various translations
Mysteries of the Kabbalah - Marc-Alain Ouaknin
Wikipedia
Other online written and video content that discusses and shares Kabbalistic Wisdom