Tetzaveh – Standing On Your Own Two Feet

Rabbi Ezra Friedman

How can an ideal religious life exist within our modern society? The greatest challenge of Jews throughout history is the conflict that exists between living a devoted religious life in a world that does not always conform to Jewish ideals. For centuries, Jews have had to choose sides. Are they members of a modern society adhering to modern ideals whilst trying their best to keep Jewish tradition or are they dedicated Jews who try to distance themselves as much as possible from the outside world? The answer to this conflict lies in a complex relationship between complete dedication to Judaism whilst appreciating and utilizing the best of modern society. The Hebrew word for Jewish law is “Halacha‘, whose source is from the word “Halicha” -walking. The connotation is that Jewish law can always deal with any modern challenge; the values stay strong as we walk through a changing reality. This perspective is clear in many areas of life. Jewish people can have a strong relationship with a multi-cultural society whilst not being ashamed of the strength of our Jewish identity and insisting that intermarriage is a red line that cannot be crossed. Jews can use and benefit from innovative technology; whilst at the same time making boundaries and ensuring that our precious Shabbat atmosphere should remain traditional. In the realm of science, while stem cell research can greatly benefit our lives, there are areas where we have to let Hashem decide what is acceptable and what is not. In almost every aspect of Judaism, we can find examples of this conflict, but we can also find solutions. In order to truly be part of this this dynamic relationship, we, as Jews should first always dedicate ourselves to our religious beliefs and only then reach out to the outside world.

In this week’s Parsha, the Torah discusses many laws regarding Kohanim (Jewish priests), as well as laws pertaining to the Tabernacle. Since the introduction of Moshe Rabeinu in the Bible, Parashat Tetzaveh is the only Parsha where his name is not mentioned. Is there a connection between the laws discussed in the Parsha and the fact that Moshe Rabeinu‘s name is not mentioned? Rav Yitzchak Zev Soloveichik^[1] explains that the word Tetzaveh is a unique form of the word, ‘commandment’. Rav Soloveitchik explains that, as opposed to Parashat Teruma where the many of the enumerated laws of the Tabernacle are only applicable during Am Yisrael‘s journey in the desert, the laws of Kohanim in Parashat Teztaveh are eternal and are meant for Am Yisrael even after they enter Eretz Yisrael. Perhaps this is the reason why Moshe Rabeinu‘s name is not mentioned. The Kohanim and their sacred service to Hashem represent the highest level of sanctity for Am Yisrael. Without their leader and role model, Moshe Rabeinu, Am Yisrael might not have been able to imagine a world of holiness and religious dedication. Hashem specifically did not want Moshe‘s name to appear in the Parsha to teach Am Yisrael that they have the potential to reach high levels of holiness even if Moshe is not present. Moshe Rabeinu and the greatness that emanated from him would not be around forever. Am Yisrael had to be prepared to stand on its own two feet and realize that it had to deal with life’s challenges even if Moshe Rabeinu wasn’t present. Am Yisrael needed to have time to develop in a very tight and closed environment but they had to be taught that they could thrive and flourish on they own outside of their cocoon.

It is very important in Judaism to internalize this idea. We must acquire a strong and unbreakable Jewish identity. In order to do so, Jews first need a closed and nurturing environment. Once we have acquired strong Jewish values, we can deal with and handle the outside world and gain benefit from its values and innovations. As mentioned earlier, this perspective might seem like a conflict, but we should look at it as a process. First we receive the tools and ideals and then we can go out into the world and continue to blossom. Am Yisrael, as well, first received the Torah and was inspired by Moshe Rabeinu and his leadership. However, there came a time when they had to realize their full potential after Moshe would be gone. That is the message of Parashat Tetzaveh. Jews have to be conscious of the fact that they have to deal with and work within the world around them and not be isolated.

Rav Meir Shapiro of Lublin was famous for educating his students that their level of excellence in Yeshiva is not the only way to evaluate the level of their spiritual progress. When they leave the yeshiva environment and enter the outside world, if they continue to thrive religiously, that is a true measure of their Judaism. A Jew must have a strong shell around him when going out into the world, and at the same time he should have a warm and open heart to explore and internalize the wonders around him.