Rabbi L. Scheinbaum

“This they shall give… half a shekel of the shekel of the sanctuary.” (30:13)

Rashi explains that Hashem showed Moshe a “fiery” likeness of the half-shekel coin. The Chachma Umusar explains this homiletically, as an allusion to the fire of devotion that must permeate our fulfillment of mitzvos. It is not sufficient to merely give one’s shekel. The significance lies in how it was given. Does one part with his coin with coolness or does he distribute it with the enthusiasm and joy which should be present in the performance of mitzvos? When a Jew keeps Shabbos but does it indifferently, without the warmth that should permeate an Oneg Shabbos, he will not be…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Ki Sisa

“When you will take the sum of the Bnei Yisrael, according to their number, and every man shall give a ransom for his soul.” (30:12)

The primary purpose of the half-shekel contribution was to serve as a method for counting Bnei Yisrael. In addition to this, the proceeds of the first shekel collection served a sacred cause; the silver collected was used in the building of the Mishkan, the symbol of the Divine Presence in the midst of Klal Yisrael. Subsequently, this became an annual collection during the month of Adar. The money was specifically earmarked for the provision of the sacrifices, thereby including all of Klal Yisrael in this act of daily worship. In this manner, the shekel became a significant symbol of an…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tetzaveh, 5752

“And you shall bring the bullock before the Ohel Moed, and Aharon and his sons shall support their hands on the head of the bullock.” (29:10)

The animal which is sacrificed symbolizes the human body. Men must graciously acknowledge Hashem’s gift to them. As Hashem implored Avraham to offer his most beloved son to Him as a sacrifice, so, too, we symbolize our gratitude to Hashem for the gift of life, which our body receives. Our hands are placed upon the head of the animal to signify its substitution for our own head, for which we offer thanks. This demonstration takes place before the Ohel Moed which represents the dwelling place of Hashem, to whom we submit our service of thanksgiving. With the slaughter of…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tetzaveh, 5752

“And you shall make a plate (on the forehead) of pure gold.” (28:36)

A special characteristic of the (forehead plate) was that anyone who gazed upon it would be moved to feelings of remorse for his previous transgressions. These emotions often stimulated complete repentance. The Zohar states that this same characteristic also applied to one who inhaled smoke from the Ketores (incense). These are but a few examples of the exemplary form of Divine intervention which existed in the Bais Hamikdash. One needed only to seize the opportunity for complete spiritual development. The Alter from Kelm Z”l states that this attitude was inherent in Moshe. The pasuk (Shemos 3:4) states “And Hashem…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tetzaveh, 5752

“And you shall make around its edges pomegranates of blue wool… and golden bells around them. And it shall be on Aharon to serve, and the sound will be heard when he enters the Holy and when he leaves and thus he will not die.” (28:33-35)

The purpose of the priestly vestments was to distinguish the Kohen Gadol from the people, investing him with an aura of royalty. It is, therefore, noteworthy that one of the garments was a cloak designed with striking detail. The hem of the cloak was decorated with golden bells and pomegranates in order to herald the Kohen Gadol’s approach. The Midrash states that the Kohen Gadol’s entrance into the House of Hashem serves as a prototype for every individual as he enters the home of his friend – or even his own home. Courtesy demands that one give advance notice of…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tetzaveh, 5752

“And you shall make holy garments for Aharon your brother, for splendor and for beauty.” (28:2)

In his commentary on this posuk the Sforno states that “the Kohen shall be a teacher who will attract the respect of his disciples, their names, in turn, are engraved upon his heart and shoulders”. The Sforno is implying that the Kohen‘s position of leadership is consistent with his teaching relationship to the people. The special vestments lend dignity to his noble position, so that the populace, who are meant to be his disciples, will revere him. It is notable that the statement about the people as disciples refers to their names being engraved upon the hearts and shoulders of…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Tetzaveh, 5752

“…To cause a lamp to burn continually. In the Ohel Moed, outside of the cloth partition that conceals the Testimony…” (27:20-21)

Various commentators reflect upon the two points emphasized by the pesukim regarding the Ner Tamid. Horav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch Z”l comments that, although the human mind turns towards the Torah as the source of spiritual sustenance, man must constantly be cognizant of its standing “outside” the Torah. The Torah has been presented to the human mind, not produced by it. Man must utilize the Torah in order to increase his knowledge, wisdom, and sophistication, but he can never inject his own enlightenment upon the Torah in an attempt to amend or reform it. He must always be aware of Paroches…

Home -> 5752 -> Terumah

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5752

“And the Keruvim shall be spreading out their wings on high… with their faces one towards another.” (25:20)

Every Jew must strive to attain both attributes which are implied by the Keruvim. He should “spread his wings upward,” making every attempt to consecrate his whole being to Heaven. At the same time, however, it is necessary to maintain “their faces one towards another”, concerning himeself with his fellow Jews’ welfare and seeking ways to be of service to his friends during their times of need. These two behavioral patterns must be intergrated into the personality of a Jew. Rather than being contradictory, they complement each other. The Talmud (Bava Basra 99a) questions the disparity between two pesukim….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5752

“And you shall make two Keruvim of gold.” (25:18)

Rashi explains that the Keruvim’s face had the form of a child’s face. We must endeavor to understand the rationale for selecting the face of a child from among the myriads of Hashem’s creations as the basis of the Keruvim. Rabbi Meir Rubman Z”l suggests that a child symbolizes an individual who strives to learn, one who does not yet feel accomplished, one who is always willing to listen, reflect, and accept guidance. He cites the Baal Haturim who states that the pasuk (Hoshea 11:1) “For Yisrael is a youth and I love him,” alludes to the Keruvim. Hashem knows…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5752

“And they shall make an ark of shittim wood.” (25:10)

We may note from the pesukim that the commandments regarding making the various vessels of the Mishkan differ in style and form. Regarding the Aron Hakodesh it says, and they shall make, which is the plural form. Regarding the Menorah and the Shulchan, on the other hand, it says, and you shall make, in the singular form. The Midrash reflects upon this distinction and states, “Let them all come and involve themselves in the study of the Torah.” Access to Torah is not limited. The opportunity to attain greatness in the area of Torah endeavor is open to everybody, and…

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“This they shall give… half a shekel of the shekel of the sanctuary.” (30:13)

“When you will take the sum of the Bnei Yisrael, according to their number, and every man shall give a ransom for his soul.” (30:12)

“And you shall bring the bullock before the Ohel Moed, and Aharon and his sons shall support their hands on the head of the bullock.” (29:10)

“And you shall make a plate (on the forehead) of pure gold.” (28:36)

“And you shall make around its edges pomegranates of blue wool… and golden bells around them. And it shall be on Aharon to serve, and the sound will be heard when he enters the Holy and when he leaves and thus he will not die.” (28:33-35)

“And you shall make holy garments for Aharon your brother, for splendor and for beauty.” (28:2)

“…To cause a lamp to burn continually. In the Ohel Moed, outside of the cloth partition that conceals the Testimony…” (27:20-21)

“And the Keruvim shall be spreading out their wings on high… with their faces one towards another.” (25:20)

“And you shall make two Keruvim of gold.” (25:18)

“And they shall make an ark of shittim wood.” (25:10)

YEARS

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