Articles in Tetzaveh
Tezaveh: Prayer
Hey You!
Have you noticed that Moses’ name is missing from this Torah portion? Whenever G-d speaks to Moses in this portion, He calls him, you, instead of Moses. I don’t know about you, but when someone tries to draw my attention by calling, hey you! I usually respond with, the …
Tetzaveh: Discipline Your Child With Love
What’s In A Belt?
Every morning Jews thank G-d for “girding Israel with strength.” (1) According to the Talmud this blessing is offered when we strap on our belts. (2) The belt is associated with strength, For example, King David, the poet warrior, described G-d as “girded with strength.” (3) As …
Tezaveh: How To Choose A Leader
The Nature of a Leader
Why do we gravitate to the charismatic and charming when choosing our leaders? We look for a leader that can galvanize the masses, lead the government, command the military and interact with fellow Heads of State. Former President Bill Clinton is a perfect example; he has …
Tezaveh: A Full Complement
Two Stones
The vestments of the high priest included two beautiful stones that adorned his shoulders. These stones, which were engraved with the names of the twelve tribes, served to invoke the memory of the Jewish nation as the High Priest discharged his duties in the temple’s inner sanctum. In the …
Tetzaveh / Zachor: Combating The Skeptic
Skepticism
A debate is currently raging in campuses across the country about binge drinking. Some believe the solution lies in stricter enforcement of existing laws against underage drinking. Others argue that enforcement will simply drive the drinkers underground. They prefer to reduce the minimum drinking age and to combat the problem …
Tezaveh: Food for Thought for your Dinner Table
Sunday: The Binding Oil
“And you shall instruct the children of Israel and they shall take to you pure olive oil.” The Hebrew word “tetzaveh,” carries a dual meaning. It means instruct and it also means bind. An alternate, but deeper meaning of this verse is that Moses is instructed to …
Tezaveh: When Right Meets Left
North and South
What would you rather, wisdom or wealth? Sounds like a solomonic question, but our sages provided a road map. “If you seek wealth turn to the north and if you seek wisdom turn to the south.” But how exactly dos turning north or south provide wisdom or wealth? …
Tetzave: Every Jew Counts
Change of Attire
I once worked for a man whose personality changed as often as his attire. At the office he exuded a sense of competence and leadership, his manner as crisp as his professional attire. At home he exuded friendship and camaraderie, his manner as relaxed as his casual attire.
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