A MODERN DAY MEGILLA STORY
This Purim, before reading the Megillah we will recite the bracha that reflects how HaShem did miracles for us in the days of old in this period of the year. The implication is that even today, thousands of years after the miracle of Purim, in this period of year, HaShem continues to perform miracles to protect us and save us from the evil design of our enemies.
Continue reading Terumah / PuЯim 5781TOTALLY RELEVANT
In this week’s Parsha, Tetzave, HaShem instructs His people to create the necessary garments for the kohanim as well as the special inaugurating offerings to be offered at the Mishkan’s inauguration. Last week’s Parsha, this week’s Parsha as well as two more Parshios that we will read in two and three weeks have apparently no relevance to any-one else other than our ancestors living in the desert 3,300 years ago.
Continue reading Tetzave 5779ICE WATER
In addition to the weekly Parsha, Tetzave, we will read Parshas Zachor. The purpose of this reading is to remember what Amalek did to us when we left Egypt, and to wipe out their memory. Since the Torah is eternal and she records Amalek’s attack on us how can we succeed in wiping out their memory? Rather, the intent of wiping out their memory is to erase their mark on society.
So, what was Amalek’s mark on society? Considering they attacked us 3,300 years ago is their mark still relevant?
HOME BASE
In this week’s Parsha HaShem instructs Moshe “They shall build for Me a Mishkan and I will dwell within them”. Our Sages point out how these words indicate that although we are to build a Mishkan for the Shechina (His Presence) will rest within the people themselves.
The implication appears that the Shechinah’s primary residence will not be the Mishkan but rather the people and their homes. The construction of the Mishkan was only a prerequisite to having the Shechina to dwell among them. However, it is clear that the Mishkan contains the Kedusha because it carries HaShem’s Presence. From the laws of tumah it is evident that one who is tamei may not enter the environs of the Mishkan but is permitted to enter the Jewish homes. So was the Shechina dwelling in the Mishkan or in the midst of the people?
THE ETERNAL RESTING PLACE
The Torah states “Let the people of Israel build for Me a Mishkan and I will reside in them.” Note that HaShem states that He will reside in them not in it. The implication is that when we build for Him a Mishkan we will be His place of residence. Behold, it is the nation of Israel that will be that place in which HaShem will reside.
Continue reading Terumah 5782BUILDERS HATE WRECKERS
This week we will read two Parshios; the weekly Parsha of Terumah and Parshas Zachor. On the surface there is no connection between these two Parshios, however, upon some thought they compliment each other so perfectly.
Rambam teaches us that the mitzvah to remember what Amalek did to us when we left Egypt is for the expressed purpose of inspiring our hatred towards him. What exactly did he do to us more than any of our other enemies throughout the course of history that earns them such distinct hatred? When Bilam foretells the destiny of the nations he indicates that all nations will survive the ‘end of days’ when the world will achieve its destiny except for the nation of Amalek. Regarding Amalek he states “Amalek was the first to make war against Israel and his destiny will be total decimation.”
NO JEW IS SUPERFLUOUS
In this week’s Parsha, Terumah, HaShem instructs His people to contribute a terumah, a contribution, to the building of the Mishkan. Our Sages point out that the people were being asked to participate in three collections. One contribution was for the material with which to build the Mishkan. This included the gold, the silver, the copper, the different types of wool and so on. The second contribution was for the communal offerings. These include the two daily offerings, the musaf offerings and other offerings that were required of us as a nation. The third contribution was for the production of the silver rings which made up the base of the Mishkan.
Continue reading Terumah 5780VICARIOUS PLEASURE?
In this week’s Parsha, Trumah, HaShem instructs us to build for Him a Mishkan. The Midrash gives an analogy to explain why the Mishkan follows immediately after the giving of the Torah. There was a great king who had an only daughter. When the time came for her to marry and begin her life the king found a deserving groom. He told his son in-law after the marriage “I love my daughter so strongly that it is difficult for me to let her leave. Please, wherever you go, build for me a small hut in which I can live and remain close to her.” The Mishkan is that small hut for HaShem, our father in-law, who identifies the Torah as His daughter. How do we understand this Midrash. It presents HaShem as an overbearing father in-law!
Continue reading Terumah 5779IN FIFTH GRADERS WE TRUST
As I sat at the formal breakfast honoring the initiation of Gemara study by the fifth grade of Yeshivas Chofetz Chaim, I was overcome by the intense meaning of this moment. My grandson along with another 90 fifth graders are about to embark on their career of Talmud study. This career is the lifeblood of our people.
Throughout history the winds of change are constantly blowing. Our current period is experiencing a typhoon. There is almost no place on Earth which has been spared by this storm. Even our communities are suffering under the weight of this storm. However, within our community we have a bunker which remains a safe place. In this bunker we can be secure that our grandparents will be proud of our grandchildren. That secure bunker is our Talmud. For those who commit themselves to study her diligently she will protect them and their families from the raging storm outside.
TAKING ACTION WITH A THOUGHT
In this week’s Parsha, Trumah, HaShem instructs His people to build for Him a Mishkan, a Temple that will travel with them on their trek through the desert. The initial command from Hashem to us is “Take for Me a trumah (a designated gift) from every man whose heart wants to contribute, shall you take my trumah… and you shall make for Me a Mishkan and I will rest in them.”
Continue reading Terumah 5777