THE TIME TO GET TOUGH

Parshat Tetzaveh begins with a directive relating to the Temple Menorah (Ex. 27:20): “You shall instruct the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling the perpetual flame.” The word used by the Torah for the directive — “tetzaveh” — is the harshest verb one can use in biblical Hebrew to convey an order or instruction. Ordinarily the Torah uses softer language, but here the language is uncompromising and tough.

Rabbi Dunner shares a seminal Nesivos Sholom, revealing why the language of instruction is deliberate, revealing an underlying message regarding the fundamental values of Judaism, and how the gravest danger to one’s relationship with God emanates from thoughts as opposed to actions. Once again, the Nesivos Sholom sheds light on the principles which underpin the Jewish faith.