During most years, the seventh of Adar - the day of Moshe Rabbeinu's demise - occurs in close proximity to the reading of the Torah portion of Tetzaveh. Our Sages note[1] that there is an allusion to Moshe's demise in Tetzaveh, in that this is the only Torah portion (from the time of Moshe's birth until the Book of Devarim[2]), in which he is not mentioned by name.

This must be understood. Only Moshe's name is not mentioned in this portion; there are, however, a multitude of passages that relate to him, beginning with the first verse of the portion:[3] "And you [i.e., Moshe] shall command...."

Moreover, not mentioning the name of a tzaddik seems to nullify the very significance of his demise, for the passing of a tzaddik in no way affects his good name and deeds which live on forever - only the body passes from this world.

How, then, can we say that Moshe's demise is alluded to by not mentioning his name, when not mentioning his name seems to deny his very existence?

In addition, the commands directed to Moshe in Tetzaveh are issued directly - "And you shall command," "And you shall do," "And you shall take" - whereas in many other Torah portions Moshe is referred to only elliptically: "And to Moshe He said...,"[4] etc., as if Moshe were not present! Thus it would seem that the opposite is the case: greater reference is made to Moshe in this Torah portion than in others.

The Zohar states[5] that "A tzaddik who has passed on is found in all worlds [including this physical world] to an [infinitely] greater degree than when he was alive."[6]

The Alter Rebbe[7] offers a twofold explanation as to why this is so: While the tzaddik was alive, his life-force was clothed in a physical body, so only a glimmer of the tzaddik's radiance could be perceived. However, after his demise this limitation ceases and it is possible to receive from the tzaddik's essence.

In addition, the demise of a tzaddik involves the elevation of his spirit and soul to its First Root and Source; this elevation is then reflected in all worlds, including this physical plane.[8]

The reason why Moshe's demise is alluded to by not mentioning his name in the Torah portion Tetzaveh will be understood accordingly:

A person's name has little to do with his essence - a name is needed only so that other people can call on him; a person as he exists for himself needs no name.[9]

The pronoun "you," however, relates to the essence of a person - when one turns to another and says "you," one is referring to the entire individual.

So, too, with regard to Moshe. The name "Moshe" was given to him quite some time after his birth; until then he had gotten by quite well without that name. Moreover, the name Moshe was not even given to him by his parents, but by Pharaoh's daughter - "For I drew him - mashe - from the water."[10]

Herein lies the allusion to Moshe's demise. At the time of his passing, Moshe ascended to a level far loftier than that which is capable of being encompassed by a mere name. Thus, at the time of his demise, Moshe is not referred to by name.

Nevertheless, Moshe continued to lead with his entire essence, even up to the moment of passing, and ever more so after his demise.

Moshe is therefore indeed to be found in the portion Tetzaveh, and moreover, he is addressed there in a manner that relates to his essence - "you,"[11] for his demise caused his essence to permeate all worlds to an even greater degree than when he was alive.

Based on Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXVI, pp. 204-206.

   

Notes:

1. (Back to text) Meor Einayim, Tetzaveh. See also Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XVI, p. 342, fn. 5 and sources cited there.

2. (Back to text) See commentaries of Rosh and Tur on portion Tetzaveh.

3. (Back to text) Shmos 27:20.

4. (Back to text) Ibid. 24:1.

5. (Back to text) Vol. III, 71b. See also Iggeres HaKodesh, Epistle 27 and its exposition.

6. (Back to text) See Iggeres HaKodesh, ibid.

7. (Back to text) Ibid.

8. (Back to text) See also Siddur Im Dach, Shaar HaLag BaOmer, p. 304b-c.

9. (Back to text) See Torah Or, beginning of portion Terumah. See also Likkutei Torah, Behar, p. 41c.

10. (Back to text) Shmos 2:10.

11. (Back to text) See commentary of Klei Yakar, beginning of portion Tetzaveh. See also Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XXI, pp. 174, 177ff.