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Tetzave 5783
AMALEK’S WAR
In addition to reading Parshas Tetzave this week we will also read Parshas Zachor in which the Torah instructs us to remember how Amalek attacked us when we left Egypt. These instructions also include the mitzvah to destroy Amalek. Who is Amalek and why do they deserve such an attitude?
Continue reading Tetzave 5783Terumah 5783
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?
Terumah 5779
VICARIOUS 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 5779Terumah 5777
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 5777Yisro – 5783
Mishpatim – 5783
Yisro corrected – 5783
Mishpatim 5779
ADOPT A MITZVAH
Every society has its norms and its mores. There are manners of behavior that are expected and there are some that are mandated. In America it is expected that you return a smile back to the one who smiles at you. You are obligated to pay your bills on time and can anticipate a fine for paying late. These define a society.
Continue reading Mishpatim 5779Yisro 5780
OPEN TO ALL
The population of the world can be divided into religious groups and into ethnic groups. The religious groups would include all the religions of the world. The ethnic groups would include all the nations of the world. Where do the members of the Jewish people get categorized, under the religious groups or under the ethnic groups?
If we are a religion it would seem imperative that one cannot be considered a member of the Jewish people unless they ascribe the cause of the world to HaShem. If they deny the existence of a creator they would not be a Jew. We know, however, that in every period of history the world recognizes a Jewish atheist as a Jew. We, as well, consider a Jewish atheist a member of the Jewish people and their children do not require any conversion to be accepted into our people. Hence, we cannot be defined as a religion, at least exclusively.