Weekly Sidra: Tetzaveh (offering)
Torah Portion: Shemot / Exodus 27:20-30:10
Haftorah: Yechezkel / Ezekiel 43:1-27

Tetzaveh, Tetsaveh, T’tzaveh, or T’tzavveh (תצווה — Hebrew for "you command,” the second word and first distinctive word in the parshah) is the 20th weekly Torah portion (parshah) in the annual Hebrew / Jewish / Isrealite cycle of Torah reading and the eighth in the book of Shemot / Exodus. It constitutes Shemot 27:20–30:10.

The Torah pasukim (verses) that I want to focus this week are Shemot 27: 9-12, which say: "Then take two lazuli stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel: … as stones for remembrance of the Israelite people, whose names Aaron shall carry upon his two shoulder-pieces for remembrance before HaShem "

Hashem gave specific instructions for the carving and placement of these stones.  Hakadosh Baruch Hu (Hebrew: The Holy One, Blessed Is He) wanted Aaron to remember Israel in everything he did.

This week is also Parashat Zachor  which is the time when  we are commanded to remember what Amalek did to us—which is to have attacked us from the rear, targeting the women and children. This week’s Maftir reading tells us that when we come into the land of Israel we must blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven, we are commanded not to forget it. "Remember what Amalek did to you on your way out of Egypt! (Devarim 25)"

We also should make a habit of Remembering Israel in all that we do.  Why is it important to remember? 

Too often Jews in the Diaspora can become too comfortable in their lives.  We have our jobs, schools, synagogues and everything else we need here, in the diaspora, right?  WRONG?  We still need Israel.  We need to remember that Hashem called us out of Egypt to live in Eretz Yisrael.  Forgetting Israel is akin to desiring a life in an Amalek-like society. 

How can we Remeber Israel?

We need to support Israel by lobbying our governments to stand with Israel.  Support organizations which directly support Israel.  We should desire to make Aliyah frequently and eventually on a permanent basis.  Finally we must remember to Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem. [Psalm 122:6] If we forget Israel. We also forget Amalek and what Hashem did in bringing us out of Egypt.

Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim

Tizkor (Remember) – Al Tishkach (Don’t Forget)