Good Shabbos NCSYers,
In this week’s Parsha Tetzave, Hashem turns his attention to who will serve in the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The Parsha introduces the concept of Kehuna or priesthood as Hashem designates Aahron as Kohen Gadol and his sons as Kohanim. Hashem then commands Moshe concerning the fashioning of the Bigdei Kehuna, which were garments worn by Aahron and his sons respectively as they lead in the mishkan. But why is Aharon chosen to be Kohen Gadol and not Moshe? Wasn’t Moshe the one that helped us escape from Egypt? The sage Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai tells us that the high priesthood was originally Moshe’s to lose and that he, indeed, loses this role during the initial leadership career. This happened because of Moshe’s repeated objections at the burning bush; Hashem is angry and as a punishment transfers the power to Aahron. Moshe’s reluctance to accept the challenges of leadership ultimately results in the illumination of his public role. This brings up the issue of first impression, what does making a good first impression on the first day of your job? (In this case being a leader). At NCSY we talk about leadership a lot, and it’s flowing through our veins, but it’s always important to remember that making a first impression as a leader matters very much. Maybe if Moshe had responded better at the burning bush, Hashem would have let him “move up” in his leadership career. Making mistakes is part of being human, but if you can make a good first impression that’s good too.
Have a great Shabbos,
Sam Orbach
This week, instead of one long dvar Torah I thought it’d be nice to give two short divrei Torah, yet both a part of the same message.
It’s interesting to note that all of Mordechai’s communications with Esther were through a messenger who went between them. One would think that at such a crucial time when the lives of so many people were threatened, that Mordechai would want to speak face to face with Esther. She even sent him clothing to replace his sackcloth so he would come and speak to her in person, but he refused. Why? Again, because being that the trouble was sent as a vehicle to bring the Jews closer to G-d through prayer, even one minute of prayer was not worth wasting, even to go speak to the wife of the King.
Even at the very end when it was obvious that Haman, the instigator of the evil decree, was on his way down, and that the decree would be averted, Mordechai did not behave any differently. Haman is ordered to lead a royal horse with Mordechai on it dressed in royal robes and a royal crown. Even Zeresh, Haman’s wife, and his close friends subsequently see in this event that it marks his downfall. Still, Mordechai doesn’t stop for one minute. He got off the horse, and immediately put on his sackcloth and returned to his place to pray.
Clearly, we can all take from these two messages, that no matter what seems important to you at the time; no matter how confident you are in anything you do, you can always stop and talk to god.
Have a great Shabbos,
Dovi Herman