IN THIS WEEK’S parsha, we learn that two stones are to be placed on the shoulder straps of the Eiphod of the Kohen Gadol, each bearing the names of six of the Shevatim. Rashi explains that the remembrance of these great tzaddikim before Hashem would aid the atonement process for the penitent sinners who visited the Beis Hamikdash. The Mei Hashiloach sheds light on the nature of these two stones with a beautiful insight. Divergent paths in avodas Hashem have…

“And two chains of pure gold, attach these to the edge of the Choshen…” The holy Modzhitzer teaches that this verse hints to the ways in which a Jew should approach work and making a living. Chazal related two foundational teachings which serve as guiding principles for a Jew’s engagement with the world of parnassah. The first teaching conveys the absolute importance of conducting business with integrity, transparency, and honesty. Our sages teach that this is the very first question…

Our parsha begins with the words, “And you will command the b’nei Yisrael to bring to you refined olive oil, crushed, for illumination; to kindle the candles of Menorah.” This abrupt commencement, in addition to the obvious absence of Moshe’s name, highlights a fact that becomes clearer and clearer as we read on: Moshe’s name is entirely absent from parshas Tetzaveh. The Ba’al HaTurim and others point out that this absence fulfills Moshe’s request after the cheit ha’eigel of “Erase…