Overview of the Weekly Reading: Vayakhel-Pekudei,
Shabbat Hachodesh,
Shabbat Mevarchim
To be read on 27 Adar 5764 (March 20 )
Torah: Exodus 35:1-40:38 (end!), Maftir HaChodesh: Ex.
12:1-20;
Haftorah: Ezekiel 45:16-46:18 (for Shabbat HaChodesh.
as its beginning mentions both Rosh Chodesh Nissan and the Pesach
sacrifice)
Vayikahel is the 10th Reading out of 11 in Exodus
and 22nd overall, and 22nd out of 54 in
overall length.
Pekudei is the 11th Reading out of 11 in Exodus
and 23rd overall, and 41st out of 54 in
overall length.
(Vayakhel Pekudei combined is longer than any single parsha
and 2nd longest of the seven double parshas.)
First is the command
to keep Shabbat. Next is described the materials donated to constructing
the Tabernacle. The chief architects, Betzalel and Oholiav, oversaw
the contributions and the work. The verses go on to describe the building
of the tapestries, coverings, beams, ark, table, menorah, incense
altar, sacrificial altar, washstand, and outer enclosure of the Tabernacle.
In Pekudei is an accounting of all materials used in making the Tabernacle.
Then described are the methods used in making the priests' clothing.
All the labor was carried out as G-d commanded, and Moshe blessed
the workers. G-d commanded Moshe how and when to assemble the Tabernacle
and dress the priests. When this was completed, G-d's cloud of glory
came and rested on the Tabernacle for all to see. When the cloud would
rise, it was a signal for the Jews to travel. Thus concludes the Book
of Shmot (Exodus) - Hazak hazak v'nit'hazek!
FROM THE MASTERS OF
KABBALA
From the holy Zohar, teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai
For there are no wars in the world and no ruler [of a nation] is uprooted
from his place in his kingdom, until the Heavenly Armies and the stars
of the other Heavens [except those of Israel], all wage their battles
and disputes each with the other. Then these four ofanim stand over
[those below] in the four directions of the physical world.
For the full article, click to the "Weekly Torah" section
on our KabbalaOnline
site.
* * * * *
From the holy Ari, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Safed
Since someone who serves idols is considered as if he had denied the
entire Torah, [Moses] commanded them concerning two things that are
also considered equivalent to the entire Torah. [The first was] the
Shabbat, for a person who observes the Shabbat is considered as if he
observed the entire Torah. "
For the full article, click to the "Weekly Torah" section
on our KabbalaOnline
site.
* * * * *
From the Shelah, Shney Luchot HaBrit by Rabbi
Isaiah Horowitz
The Torah wanted to point out that from the episode of the Golden Calf
until the building of the Tabernacle the men were kept aloof from the
women. Only then did the Angel of Death depart from the camp.
For the full article, click to the "Weekly Torah" section
on our KabbalaOnline
site.
FROM THE CHASSIDIC REBBES
Pekudei
"And the Children of Israel did according to all that G-d
commanded Moses, and they brought the Tabernacle to Moses."
(39:32-33)
This contains an important lesson in how to build the individual "Sanctuary"
that exists in every Jewish home: The first thing is to establish
it according to "all that G-d commands," observing mitzvot
carefully and scrupulously. The next step is to bring it to "Moses,"
the singular Jewish leader of a given generation, to allow the Divine
Presence to rest in it.
(Likutei Sichot) (from L'Chaim #610)
HaChodesh
"And you will eat them in haste" (Ex. 12:11)
What is the reason for the rush at the time of the exodus from Egypt?
It gives the impression that the Jews had to run away from Egypt;
but since Pharaoh begged them to leave, they could have left slowly
and comfortably!
The truth is, that the exodus from Egypt wasn't just the leaving
of geographical Egypt, it was also, and mainly, the departure from
the world of evil and impurity in which the Jews were steeped while
in Egypt. And a person who is attracted by evil yet wants to save
himself from it, should not take his leave slowly and comfortably;
at the first opportunity he should run and make his escape, since
he is still attached to the impurity through his attraction to it.
This was the status of the Jews at the Exodus. It was only with the
Giving of the Torah that "their defilement came to an end".
Of the future redemption, however, it says: "You shall not leave
in a hurry." At that time G-d will remove the spirit of impurity
from the world, so there will be no need to run to escape from evil.
(Based on Tanya - translated from Sichat HaShavuah1 #109)
A
MYSTICAL CHASSIDIC DISCOURSE
from the Chabad Master
series, produced by Rabbi Yosef Marcus for
www.ascentofsafed.com and www.kabbalaonline.org
An
essay from Rabbi Shaul Yosef Leiter, director of Ascent
(for a free weekly email subscription, click
here) (W:22-23-64/Vayakhel-Pekudei )
The
Lubavitcher Rebbe suggested that we learn daily the day's portions
of Chumash, Psalms, and Tanya, and later added learning Rambam (Maimonides)
daily, as well. Some individuals learn three chapters a day, some
one chapter, and some, particularly children and those with not enough
time, a mitzvah from the Rambam's Book of Mitzvahs. (Learning-schedule
calendars for all these studies are available for the asking).
The Torah portion begins with a discussion of Shabbat, and Rambam's
Book of Mitzvahs this week discusses the sabbatical year for the land.
What lesson should a person take from these mitzvahs for the entire
year?
In past generations, most residents of Israel worked in agriculture,
and the Sabbatical year was a strong reality for them. For six years
they worked the earth, and in the seventh year they left the fields
and orchards fallow. The commentaries explain since a person was free
from his labors, he was supposed to make a "Shabbat for G-d"-his
free time was supposed to be devoted to things that were clearly holy
matters (Torah study, praying, doing more mitzvahs, teaching others
about Judaism, to name a few). Therefore, in those sabbatical years
there was a big increase not only in studying Torah, but in the enthusiasm
for studying Torah, since they were not already tired from their physical
labors.
Today, and for every Jewish person in the world, the lesson is as
relevant as ever. Whenever we are freed from our routine tasks, it
is incumbent upon us to take advantage of this time to do what G-d
commanded of us, starting with Torah study and continuing with, doing
more mitzvahs, as we know that Torah study should lead to action.
All of this G-dly service should be with extra enthusiasm and joy.
Shabbat is an especially opportune time for these things. Furthermore,
all of this increased Jewish activity should lead to us influencing
those around us.
In addition, by using our spare time to study Torah and increase
the number of mitzvahs we fulfill, we will hasten the arrival of Moshiach.
Since during the time of Moshiach the Almighty will take care of all
of our physical needs, there will be plenty of time to study Torah
and do mitzvahs. By using our spare time now for spiritual tasks,
we are showing G-d that we are ready for Moshiach already now!
This spiritual shift relates to all of us, but relates even more
to Jewish children. Since all their physical needs are provided, this
is like the sabbatical year. Therefore, it is even more important
for them to live with the verse, "Shabbat for G-d", and
dedicate their time for Torah and mitzvahs.
Shabbat Shalom, Shaul Leiter
(for a free weekly email subscription, click
here)
For all our insights for this parsha:
from last year