By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
EL CAJON, California — This week’s Torah reading, parsha Tetzaveh, offers profound psychological and spiritual insights that resonate deeply in the areas of personal development and leadership. This is a very special parsha for me, being it is the parsha of my Bar Mitzvah which took place in 1962 at Temple B’nai Abraham under the watchful eye, and heart, of Rabbi Joachim Prinz. Yikes, that was 63 years ago!
It is also the only parsha, from the birth of Moshe (my Hebrew name) until the end of Deuteronomy, in which he is not named or speaks, yet the light of his influence is profound within us all. Some explain that this reflects Moshe’s ultimate humility—he does not need personal recognition. Psychologically, this teaches the power of silence. Not every act requires acknowledgment, and true greatness often emerges in quiet, selfless devotion
What are these psychological lessons that we can learn from the Torah this week? Tetzaveh teaches that true spiritual growth requires a combination of humility, intentionality, and consistent inner work. Through this, people can elevate themselves and bring divine light into the world.
First, we have the power of inner illumination through the lessons of the ner tamid, the eternal light. Tetzaveh begins with the command to keep a continual flame burning in the Mishkan. Spiritually, this represents our soul’s inner light and the need for constant spiritual awareness. Psychologically, it teaches that maintaining inner inspiration requires daily effort—through Torah study, prayer, and acts of kindness. Just as the Kohanim tended to the oil, we wisely nurture our inner world, ensuring that negativity and doubt don’t extinguish our passion for righteousness.
The ner tamid is not used for practical purposes, but rather represents a link, our devotion, to Hashem. We are responsible for insuring our own personal ner tamid is always lit within our hearts, even in the absence of Moshe as in the parsha, or of our parents and grandparents in our daily lives. The ner tamid serves as a reminder to bring kindness to this world, to bring mitzvot to this world, to bring light to this world.
Just as Aaron was told Le’ha’alot ner tamid, “to kindle the lamps continually,” according to Rashi, this means not re-lighting (“lehadlik”) but nurturing the existing flame. Our relationship with Hashem requires consistent focus and nurturance to ensure that we are building the right future. The ner tamid helps nurture this, both the one that hangs in the shul and the one we carry within us. The Talmud Bavli in Masechet Shabbat (22b), tells us the ner tamid is a symbol of Hashem’s presence and that the flame of Torah, our deepest values, are similarly eternal. “And you shall command the children of Israel, and they shall take to you, pure olive oil, crushed for lighting, to kindle the lamps continually. In the Tent of Meeting, outside the dividing curtain that is in front of the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall set it up before the Lord…”(Exodus 27:20-21).
We’re all walking miracles, each of us a sacred spark, uniquely wired to reflect something extraordinary that the Hashem planted deep within. When life gets busy, and we forget that, let’s hit the pause button. Take a good, long look at the people around you and imagine a glowing sign on their foreheads, shouting out their worth, their purpose, their inner light. It’s there, trust me. It’s a reminder they’re not just random players in this game of life, but holy vessels carrying something truly special. And here’s the challenge, let’s live up to that same sign we’ve got shining on ourselves. Act with kindness, courage, and authenticity—because that’s how we keep our own light blazing bright, in sync with the One who made us.
The parsha begins with “atah Tetzaveh,” the singular form of the second person pronoun, “you,” which Sforno teaches means that each of us is personally obligated to build this light just as Moshe was commanded to do this mitzvah without delegating it. The ner tamid, the Itturei Torah also tells us, is a personal light, one that we each must continuously light within our own heart, to constantly use to bring light to the world.
The midrash in Sh’mot Rabbah, assures us that just as one flame does not die when it lights another, so too the ner tamid within us will never burn out. Our job is to keep this candle lit brightly. Every generation faces darkness.
This week’s haftorah that we read before next week’s holiday of Purim, informs us of Hashem’s command to Shaul Hamelech to annihilate Amalek. “Zachor Et Asher Asah Lecha Amalek BaDerech Betzetchem MiMitzrayim,” “Remember what Amalek did to you on your way out of Egypt.” From growing antisemitism, political unrest, media negativity, this Shabbat, Zachor, reminds us that like now, there is always a Haman Amelekite ominous peril we face. We often ask at times of distress, “G-d, where are You?” In fact, it’s the other way around. G-d is asking us, “Where are you?”
As songwriter Peter Yarrow wrote in 1986,
“Don’t let the light go out!
It’s lasted for so many years!
Don’t let the light go out!
Let it shine through our hope and our tears.”
Embedded within the word tamid is a crucial lesson for today’s Jewish leaders. The word, “Tamad” means always or continuous consistency and dedication. It signifies eternity—a flame that must never be allowed to go out. It represents stability, continuity, and an unshakable commitment to our traditions. But tamid also implies something more—an ongoing, deliberate effort. The ner tamid doesn’t sustain itself. It requires consistent care, daily attention, and purposeful action from those entrusted with its glow. And that responsibility falls to us.
Some among us gather the oil, ensuring the flame has what it needs to burn brightly. Others prepare the lamps, keeping them clear and ready. Still others stand watch through the night, safeguarding the light until dawn breaks once again. Leadership is no different. It’s not about maintaining the status quo, but about fostering a flame that remains vibrant in an ever-changing world. The traditions we carry must be honored not through rigid preservation, but through thoughtful renewal.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun.