Parshas Tetzaveh (Zachor) 5786
- Torah Tavlin
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
ואתה תצוה את בני ישראל ויקחו אליך שמן זית זך כתית למאור להעלת נר תמיד ... (כז-כ)
The word "אליך" - to you Moshe, is superfluous. Why was it necessary to bring the oil to Moshe? (See Ramban)
Based on a teitch from one of the Sanzer Rebbes zt”l, "תצוה" stems from the Aramaic word "צוותא" - companionship. Accordingly, the Torah, by using the word"תצוה" is hereby instructing Moshe that he must see to it that Klal Yisroel unites.
As is well-known, Moshe’s name is not found in this parsha. Many explanations are given to clarify this omission. But what better way to unify Klal Yisroel, when there exists no name, no I or me, or personal agendas?
The following vort from R’ Chaim Shmulevitz zt”l addresses our original question. On the posuk in Tehillim, "הנה מה טוב ומה נעים שבת אחים גם יחד. כשמן הטוב על הראש יורד על הזקן זקן אהרן שיורד על פי מדותיו". The Medrash notes the repeated word זקן - beard, and explains that the first words refers to Moshe’s beard. Because even though the oil actually dripped down Aharon’s beard, his connection to his brother was so close, that it was as if it went onto Moshe’s as well. That, says R’ Chaim, is why it says "אליך" since Moshe himself “got” the oil. "שבת אחים גם יחד"
This concept is center stage on the upcoming Yom Tov of Purim. The mitzvos hayom we perform further accentuate this idea. As Esther HaMalkah said, "לך כנוס את כל היהודים" - gather - unite them. She added, "וצמו עלי" - do not eat - fast - not merely for your own salvation, but also "עלי" for me, as I enter the lion’s den. "גם אני ונערתי אצום כן" - and we, in turn, will fast for you. Each side didn’t act selfishly by only trying to save themselves. Rather it was a communal exercise in selflessness.
Remarkable! And through that they were saved.
Let us unite and daven for the welfare, not only, of our local communities, but for our brethren globally as well.