Friday February 21,1997    
                                  Erev Shabbat AdarI  14, 5757
Ti'tzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)

Something to think about:

	After last week's description of the vessels and structure of the
Mishkan (transportable Sanctuary) we continue with other Mishkan-related
topics, primarily the special uniforms of the Kohanim (priestly family of
Aaron).  This parsha is unique in that it is the only one, since the time
that Moses comes on the scene, that does not mention his name.  ["Your
mission, should you choose to accept it, is to find out why his name is
missing and why specifically from this week's reading."]

	The Parsha begins with the words, "And you, you shall command"
(27:20) The commentaries offer various explanations for this apparent
redundancy.  One idea is offered by Rabbi Elias Schwartz, in his book,
"V'sheenantom". 

	G-d is teaching us the secret to commanding and teaching others. 
What is the trick to transmitting even the most sublime lesson?  "And
you" How you behave, even when you are upset.  How you treat others.  The
language you use when you stub your toe! etc. "you shall command" This
is what others will learn from you. 

	Each of us is a Moses, a teacher, for someone at some time.  Each
of us has ideals and values that we want to impart.  When we tell our
children that reading is valuable; that's nice.  When we turn of our
television program and take out a book; now that's a model lesson. 
Whether the value is honesty, social justice or religious commitment, our
being, defined by our conduct will be transmitted.  Our greatest Torah
leaders are immortalized by their demonstrations of character more than
the merit of their ideas. 

	I know one philanthropist who would make sure that his adult child
would see him write checks for charity.  He wanted to make sure that the
lesson of tzedaka was not only taught in theory but transmitted by his
actions. 

Today is "PURIM  KATAN (minor Purim) only one month to the real thing!