The Power of Our Holy Ancestors \ Parashat Tezaveh
D'var Torah:
"You shall place the two gemstones on the shoulder straps of the tunic; gems of remembrance for the Children of Israel, Aaron shall carry their names before HaShem on both his shoulders as a remembrance" (Shemot 28:12). The names of the twelve sons of Yaacov, the twelve Tribes of Israel, were inscribed on the gems that adorned the holy garments of the Kohan Gadol. What was the significance of the "remembrance" of these gemstones engraved with the names of the twelve Tribes? Whenever Aaron would wear these holy garments, HaShem would see the names of the Tribes engraved on the gemstones and remember their righteousness. The merit of the holy Tribes would awaken HaShem's mercy and love for their descendants, the Children of Israel. The holiness and goodness of the Tribes of Israel was so lofty, that their merit, alone, sufficed for HaShem to look favourably upon Klal Yisrael.
Moral: Regardless of Klal Yisrael's standing, the incomparable worthiness of the Tribes of Israel always tips the scales in our favour. Just as Aaron carried the names of the holy Tribes on his shoulders, the merit of the Holy Tribes carries Klal Yisrael to survival, success, and Divine compassion.
Application: Reflect on the fact that HaShem loves the Avot and holds precious their absolute purity, profound wisdom, and holy perfection. Consider that the merit of our Avot is the source of success behind every Mitzvah that we do. Before you do a Mitzvah, pray, or learn Torah, ask HaShem to help you succeed on the merit of the Avot. Be inspired by the knowledge that merit of our Avos will always "carry us" to find favour and countless blessing from HaShem.
(Based on the commentary of Rashi)
