Parsha: Moshe’s Disappearance from Parshat Tetzaveh

Rav Turetsky

Many of the commentators are bothered by the omission of Moshe’s name from Parshat Tetzaveh. Why is Moshe’s name missing?

1. Ba’al HaTurim (Shemot 27:20) notes the Talmud’s statement (Sanhedrin 90b) that the curse of a wise person, even if said conditionally, still comes true. Moshe told Hashem that he’d prefer to have his name erased from the Torah were God to destroy the Jewish people. While Hashem chose not to destroy them, Moshe’s words still partially came true. His name was omitted from Parshat Tetzaveh.  
2. Meor Einayim (Parshat Tetzaveh) suggests that the omission of Moshe’s name is because this week’s Parsha always corresponds to 7 Adar, the day that Moshe passed away. 
3. A third approach is also found in Ba’al HaTurim (ad loc). The Talmud (Zevachim 102a) states that it would have been appropriate for the Kehunah Gedolah to come from Moshe, but he lost that right because of his initial resistance to serving the Jewish people. Parshat Tetzaveh primarily deals with the halakhot of Bigdei Kehunah, so his name was omitted to avoid causing him any potential anguish. 

A very powerful lesson may emerge from the last approach. Moshe’s name is omitted because he lost the Kehunah Gedolah. Yet, Ohr HaChaim (Shemot 27:20) notes that Moshe plays an even more significant role in the commandments found in this Parsha.[1] He was supposed to be more involved than usual in formulating the command. 

Apparently, instead of being disappointed and removing himself entirely from the Kehunah, he made himself even more involved in the Mitzvah. His name may not be mentioned, and he and his descendants would not merit wearing the Bigdei Kehunah, but he could still extend himself to contribute. 

There are situations in life when a person is passed over or unable to get the opportunity they would have wanted. Moshe reminds us that though that may be the case, it is our choice as to how to respond. He continued to be involved and contribute to the Jewish people.

Shabbat Shalom 

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[1] See the beginning of his comments to this pasuk.