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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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Home -> 5753 -> Terumah

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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Home -> 5753 -> Terumah

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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Home -> 5753 -> Terumah

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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Home -> 5753 -> Terumah

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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Home -> 5753 -> Terumah

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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