Parshat Tetzaveh is unique as the only parsha, from Moshe’s birth until the end of the Torah, in which his name is not mentioned. The commentators explain that this omission is linked to Moshe’s plea after the sin of the Golden Calf: “Erase me from Your book” (Shemot 32:32). While this is an interesting textual anomaly, it also hints at a deeper theme — the tension between personal reluctance and divine mission.

Chazal tell us that Moshe was originally designated for the role of Kohen Gadol, but because he hesitated when Hashem first commanded him to lead Bnei Yisrael out of Egypt, the priesthood was given to Aharon instead (Zevachim 102a). This idea aligns with Moshe’s characteristic humility — he did not seek leadership, nor did he crave honor. He hesitated, feeling inadequate, and as a result, the role was reassigned. His reluctance, although well-intentioned, ultimately led to a shift in divine planning.

This theme of reluctance in the face of responsibility appears again in the Purim story that we will read this coming week in Megillat Esther. When Mordechai first asks Esther to go before Achashverosh, she hesitates. She fears for her life, explaining that no one can approach the king unsummoned without risking execution. Mordechai responds with a strong rebuke: “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if it was for this very moment that you attained royalty?” (Esther 4:14). Esther ultimately rises to the challenge, understanding that her role is not about personal safety or comfort, but about fulfilling a mission that only she can accomplish.

The parallel between Moshe and Esther offers us a profound takeaway about leadership and divine calling. Both Moshe and Esther initially hesitated to step into their roles. But whereas Moshe’s hesitation led to his forfeiting the priesthood, Esther ultimately overcame her fear and embraced her destiny. In both cases, Hashem’s plan moved forward — whether through Aharon as Kohen Gadol or through Esther as the savior of her people — but the individual’s willingness to answer the call determined their role in the historical trajectory.

For us today, this theme is especially relevant. We often find ourselves in situations when we are called upon to take a stand, whether in our communities, our workplaces, or even within our own families. It is easy to hesitate, to feel unworthy, or to hope that someone else will step up instead. But the stories of Moshe and Esther remind us that each of us has a unique role to play, and that if we do not rise to the occasion, God’s plan will still unfold — but we may lose the opportunity to be His chosen instrument.

May we all have the courage of Esther, to embrace our divine callings and not let hesitation prevent us from fulfilling our potential. And may we also learn from Moshe’s humility, recognizing that true leadership is not about seeking honor but about answering Hashem’s call, even when it challenges us.

Now more than ever, with Am Yisrael facing so many challenges in both Israel and the diaspora, is the time for us each to stand up, hear our call, roll up our sleeves, and make our voices heard wherever we are — for the hostages, the warriors, the displaced, the kibbutzim, the university students battling antisemitism, the local communities fighting Israel bonds divestment. Following Esther’s and Moshe’s examples, may we be both brave and humble in our efforts to keep fighting the good fight.

Shabbat Shalom ~ Besorot Tovot ~ Am Yisrael Chai