In this week's parasha, Moshe's name is not mentioned . He is only referred to as "ve'ata". Why is this?

When Bnei Yisrael sinned with chait ha'eigel, Moshe said to Hashem, "Save them and erase my name from the entire Torah." But Hashem didn't erase his name from the entire Torah just from Parasha Tetzaveh.

Why specifically Parasha Tetzaveh? The Sichot Mussar writes that in Parashat Shemot when Hashem wanted to send Moshe to Paroh, Moshe did not want to accept the mission at first because he was afraid of belittling Aharon. Aharon was his older brother and Moshe was afraid of hurting him and not showing him the proper derech eretz. Moshe says in Shemot 4:10, "Send the one You usually send,” implying Aharon. At that moment Moshe lost the Kehuna and Aharon received it. Since Tetzave is the Parasha where we talk about the Kohanim, their jobs and all their specifics and details, this is the Parasha from which Moshe's name was erased.

In addition, Moshe wanted to dedicate one Parasha completely to Aharon. He wanted Aharon to receive all the credit and publicity so this is the Parasha where it happened.

Although Moshe's name isn't in the Parasha, he is alluded to many times by the usage of the word "ve'ata". Nechama Lebowitz says that even though Moshe didn't have the kehuna, it is all through him that Bnei Yisroel were able to do the Mitzvot. Also, Moshe was able to make the clothes of the Kohanim and Moshe has a role throughout the parasha.

Moshe's name is not mentioned in Tetzaveh but it is very clear that he is there and is involved in every aspect of everything. We see this idea in connection to Hashem in Megilat Esther. Hashem has a very strong and clear hand that is present and helping us survive even though everything and everyone was against us.

Just like Moshe in the Parasha, Hashem remained hidden throughout the whole Megillah. But Hashem is also alluded to many times; you just have to open up your eyes and look at the miracles that took place. The fact that we were saved, Esther was chosen as queen, and Esther successfully interfered and demolished Haman's plans when we had a death sentence set upon is was huge and could only have been Hashem. Just as we see with Moshe and Aharon in Parashat Tetzaveh, Hashem wanted to give praise to Mordechai and Esther and therefore Hashem remained behind the scenes and isn't mentioned in the Megillah.

When Hashem seems to be hidden, it's really that we are distancing ourselves from Him. We have to accept the challenge and remember that He is there and look for Him.