TORAH'S MESSAGE  -  by Rabbi Daniela Szuster

            This week's parashah begin by saying:  "And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually" (Shemot 27:20).

            G-d requested the people, through Moshe, to always have a light lit in the Mishkan.  And it was that way in the mobile sanctuary which they moved in the wilderness, and in the Great Temple in Jerusalem, and today in our synagogues.  It is our custom to place in the synagogue a Ner Tamid, a lamp before the Aron Hakodesh, where we keep the Sifrei Torah, carrying out G-d's request in this parashah.

            What does this eternal light mean?  Many explanations may be given.  When there is a light lit it is a signal that there is life in that place for someone who comes from outside.  But it is a signal for the community members, also.  It's a signal that reminds us that there Judaism is being transmitted, children and adults are being taught.  It is also a signal for a place suitable to live spiritual and profound moments.  It is a place where the family, which is the Jewish people, meets to celebrate and share different life moments.  It is a place where one is not alone.  The light indicates that here there is real life.

            May G-d grant that each one of us gives some of our internal light to the community's Ner Tamid, allowing it to be always illuminating and facilitating Jewish life.

            Shabbat Shalom

SERMON  -  by Rabbi Rami Pavolotzky

             Doubtless, the main character of the Exodus tale is Moshe Rabenu.  From his birth, in the second chapter of the book of Shemot, the Torah tells us many details about his life, especially his work as leader of the people of Israel.  We read about his anger, joys and frustrations as guide of a  poor slave people freed and looking for liberty and stillness.

            Because Moshe is the main character of the book of Shemot, our attention is powerfully called that his name is not mentioned even once in this week’s parashah, Tetzaveh.  The great leader, the liberator, the legislator… not mentioned in a whole parashah, for the first time since his birth.

            To make us more uncertain, we read that most of the text is dedicated to Moshe’s brother Aaron and his sons, the first cohanim, the first priests in charge of cult service in Israel’s history.  At the beginning, the garments the cohanim would wear are described with great detail.  Later, many verses describe how the shivat iemei miluim, the seven days of investiture would be, the preparation period that will end with the consecration or ordination of the first cohanim.

            It’s interesting to notice that the parashah is dedicated almost totally to describing the service of the cohanim, and is the only one that doesn’t mention the name of Moshe.  Many believe this is an indication of the intelligence and humbleness of Moshe.  Let’s see.

            As I said before, Moshe was the great leader of the people, in some sense idolized, seen as a pseudo-god.  Moshe attracted all the popular attention.  It was also natural for people to see him as the director of the service to G-d.  However, those chosen to lead the cult were Aaron and his sons, the cohanim.  That’s why many understand the fact that the name of Moshe not appearing in the parashah, alludes to the possible fact that Moshe understood that if he wanted the people to follow the cohanim he must step aside.  If he pretended that the people see the cohanim as leaders, then he must give them space and “disappear” for some time.

            A great director is one who can delegate duties of leadership at the timely moment, giving others opportunities to be with him in the duty of conducting.  A great leader knows when he must “hide” for some time, even disappear if it’s necessary.  Moshe knew how to do it.

            We all sometimes face situations in our life in which we must delegate responsibilities.  It happens at work, in the congregation, in other groups we belong to, even in our families, with our spouses and children.  And the truth is, that often it’s hard to delegate, it’s hard to share.  Sometimes we are right because the moment is not opportune.  But in many other times it simply hurts us to leave the place, it hurts not to be there, it hurts us that our name won’t be shown.  The Torah shows us that the greatest leader our people had knew how to give space to others, to share his leadership.  And he became greater for that.

            May we learn from Moshe Rabenu, from his ability to give space to others when it’s necessary, to know just that sometimes others can be responsible.

Shabbat Shalom!