Terumah – Page 15 – Peninim on the Torah

“And you shall make the planks for the Mishkan of shittim wood standing up.” (26:15)

Chazal state that shittim (acacia) wood does not bear fruit. It is a strong and tough wood which has limited practical application. What is the significance of this wood in regard to the Mishkan? It would seem that the wood selected to serve as the walls of the Mishkan, the mainstays of the edifice wherein the Shechinah would “repose,” would be one which had many practical uses. We suggest that this choice imparts an important message. The planks of the Mishkan may be viewed metaphorically as the Torah scholars in a community. To the “simple” citizen they might not seem…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5755

“And all the pegs of the chatzer (shall be made of) copper.” (27:19)

Rashi explains that these pegs were made of copper and helped secure the curtains of the Ohel and the hangings of the Chatzer. They were tied with ropes around their bottoms, so that the wind would not lift them. At first Rashi questions the technical application of these pegs. He discusses whether they were anchored in the ground or tied and suspended, so that their sheer weight held down the bottoms of the curtains to keep them from moving in the wind. Horav Moshe Feinstein z.l., compares the pegs and curtains to a ben Torah. A ben Torah is apt…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5753

“That they take for Me a Terumah.” (25:2)

The Baal Shem Tov notes that Parashas Terumah, which contains the mitzvah of donating toward the building of the Mishkan, immediately follows Parashas Mishpatim, which ends with the receiving of the Torah. He explains that the command to build the Mishkan was Hashem’s way of telling Bnei Yisrael to substantively actualize their acceptance of the Torah. It isn’t sufficient to proclaim gnabu vagbw “We will do and we will hear,” and then return to our daily lives as if nothing had transpired. It is imperative to stimulate the potential of our statement into action. If it remains dormant, eventually it…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5753

“An offering from everyone whose heart motivates him to give… gold, silver, and copper.” (25:2,3)

Each of these metals is of different value. They are, nonetheless, included together and considered of equal importance. For, this is “an offering of the heart,” regarding which it is stated: Whether one gives more or less, it is meaningless, as long as his thoughts are focused for (the honor of) Heaven.” (Berachos 5b). How much one gives is not important. Rather, it is the motivation for his donation which is of critical value. Thus, gold, silver, and copper can be perceived equally.

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5753

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

Bnei Yisrael were enjoined to build the Aron Hakodesh prior to the Mishkan itself. Why was this? Horav M. Gifter, Shlita. suggests the following reason for this. The Aron, which held the Torah, represents the Torah as the foundation of our people. Because we have the Torah, Hashem chooses to rest the Divine Presence in our midst. Consequently, we must orient our priorities in accordance with the Torah. Horav Gifter notes that the Aron was built even prior to the Mizbayach, Altar. The Mizbayach denotes sacrifice and its derivative, mesiras nefesh, self-sacrifice for Hashem and His mitzvos. He explains that…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5753

“And they shall make an Aron of shittim wood… and you shall cover it with pure gold from within and without.” (25:10,11)

Although in the eyes of the beholder, the Aron appeared to be made completely of gold, it is a well known fact that this was only an overlay. The actual Aron was made of wood, sandwiched between outer and inner layers of gold. This seems enigmatic. It would be appropriate that this most sublime vessel, which housed the Torah, consist entirely of gold. Certainly gold would more readily reflect the magnificence and majesty of the Almighty. Horav Dovid Feinstein, Shlita, who raises this question, offers the following lesson to be derived from this “wooden” Aron. Wood is a living substance…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5753

“And you shall make the boards for the Mishkan from shittim wood standing upright.” (26:15)

The Midrash questions the specific use of shittim wood for the beams of the Mishkan. Chazal respond that Hashem has chosen to teach a lesson regarding the proper derech eretz one must model when building a house or when undertaking any endeavor which affects others. Hashem chose shittim wood which comes from a barren tree. Likewise, when we build, we should use wood which originates from a tree which does not produce fruit. This Midrash is noteworthy. The Mishkan is the major source of holiness in this world. Yet, its construction may not affect any other form of “life,” even…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5753

“And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall pass from end to end.” (26:28)

The Targum Yonason explains that this middle bar originated from Avraham’s famous “inn” from which he would provide food and drink for wayfarers. The angels cut it down and threw it into the sea, where it floated until it was retrieved by Moshe. Horav E. Muller, Shlita, notes the significance of this statement. Everyone was requested to contribute their heartfelt donation towards the construction of the Mishkan. In order to maintain this structure, however, it was essential to have as the middle bar a pole which was derived from a house which exemplified the highest level of chesed. The Mishkan,…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Terumah, 5752

“And they shall make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell among them.”(25:8)

The Mishkan serves as the place where a Jew can have the opportunity to encounter Hashem’s Presence in a controlled and structured manner. The Ramban notes that the parsha concerning the building of the Mishkan (with its holy vessels) follows the parshios dealing with the giving of the Torah and instituting the system of laws and social justice. Only after Am Yisrael has established itself as a holy nation to be fulfilled through Torah and mitzvos do the Jewish people merit the Mishkan as a place to centralize the pre-existent holiness within the community. The Mishkan is not the source…

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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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“And you shall make the planks for the Mishkan of shittim wood standing up.” (26:15)

“And all the pegs of the chatzer (shall be made of) copper.” (27:19)

“That they take for Me a Terumah.” (25:2)

“An offering from everyone whose heart motivates him to give… gold, silver, and copper.” (25:2,3)

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

“And they shall make an Aron of shittim wood… and you shall cover it with pure gold from within and without.” (25:10,11)

“And you shall make the boards for the Mishkan from shittim wood standing upright.” (26:15)

“And the middle bar in the midst of the boards shall pass from end to end.” (26:28)

“And they shall make for Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell among them.”(25:8)

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

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