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Nineteen times (actually eighteen, with a slight deviation in the nineteenth), the Torah makes a point of emphasizing the peoples’ dedication to prepare the Mishkan and all of its appurtenances in accordance with Hashem’s command, as conveyed through Moshe Rabbeinu. This teaches us, explains Horav Mordechai Illan, zl, that, even concerning the Mishkan, which is totally imbued with Hashem’s Presence and is the essence of kedushah, sanctity, it is possible to be penetrated with a machasheves pigal, an unacceptable, deviated thought, as was evinced with the construction of the eigal ha’zahav, Golden Calf, so close following the Giving of the…

Three elements are to be discerned in this brachah. It begins with Teka b’shofar which shall proclaim to the nations, commanding them to set free the Jewish people and allow them to liberate their Land. Following this, a banner will be raised for all that long for redemption. This is now possible because the nations have been given the “message” via the blast of the great shofar. The opportunity for return is now available for all who seek it. Last, the opportunity is available for all of the lost Jews who have strayed due to ignorance, who, through no fault…