Bruised, Crushed, & Super Proud Jew - Tetzaveh

Parshat Tetzaveh 
Bruised, Crushed, & Super Proud Jew

This week's Torah portion is unique.  From the moment we are introduced to Moshe until his passing, he is the central figure in the Torah.  Therefore, it is quite peculiar that this is the only portion from his birth until his demise, where his name is not mentioned even once.

The question is why?

The sages of the Kabbalah say that this allude to the Yahrtzeit (day of passing) of Moshe, that usually falls out in this Torah portion, hence his name is omitted.

Another answer is the following. When the Jews worshipped the golden calf, G-d was furious and wanted to destroy them. Moshe interceded on their behalf and prayed for forgiveness. Hashem responded that he would destroy the Jewish people and would rebuild the Jewish nation from Moshe himself. Moshe said to Hashem "Mecheina Na Msifricha Asher Kasavta-If you wont forgive the Jewish people, then erase me from the Torah that you have written". Moshe's commitment to his people was so profound, that he was ready to give everything up, even his own legacy in the Torah. Moshe prevailed and Hashem did forgive the Jewish people.

Yet, the words of a Tzaddik (righteous person) have consequences. As a result of Moshe uttering these words, his name is omitted from this Torah portion. So in a strange and beautiful way, the one portion that does not have Moshe's name is a testament to his true leadership and dedication to his people.

This portion also speaks about the making of the olive oil for the kindling of the Menorah. The Jewish people were to bring the oil oil to Moshe for this sacred ritual. The process of making olive oil involves crushing the olives to produce the oil.

Sometimes, it is the difficult experience that makes us grow the most, or the glaring oversight that actually draws attention in the most powerful way. As we see with the process of making olive oil. Only by crushing the olive does it produce the pure oil.

This is true of our experience as Jews as well. When we get crushed, it also brings out within us a ferocious and unabashed pride in who we are. Yes, we are hurting and bruised, but our sense of belonging and connection to Israel and our people has never been stronger.

While our enemies have tried to erase our name by maiming and hurting us, they have in fact brought the flames of our Jewish soul to a roaring inferno. 

Am Yisrael Chai - our spirit lives!