- The essence of Parsha Tetzaveh is uniqueness, focusing on Aaron as a distinct individual. With the capacity to be “samach libo,” Aaron is the one who defines the nature of simcha – devoid of jealousy, his happiness lies in existence discovering and actualizing its own unique potential. This is why he can carry the stones of zechira on his ephod – zechira asserts the uniqueness of a moment that can reverberate throughout eternity. It is the relationship of simcha and zechira that provides the connection of this parsha to chodesh Adar: simcha is necessary for the rebuilding of a Beit HaMikdash (as it was in the time of Esther), a rebuilding whose prerequisite is the destruction of Amalek through the act of zechira. The incense altar that is described at the end of the parsha is not an afterthought. Smell is the one sense that perceives the specificity of an organism most directly; therefore, the incense altar represents the greatest expression of Aaron’s ability to appreciate the singularity of every person in their unique moment and position in time and space.

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