Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

  • Reset
Category

Back to Home -> Terumah -> 5773


Home -> 5773 -> Terumah

ועשו לי מקדש ושכנתי בתוכם. ככל אשר אני מראה אותך

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Terumah, 5773

They shall make a Sanctuary for Me – so that I may dwell among them. Like everything that I show you. (25:8,9)

The Mishkan, Sanctuary, was an edifice dedicated to the service of Hashem. A structure of stone and mortar becomes consecrated through the devotion and commitment to G-d of those who build and maintain it. Anything not built solely for G-d has little to no meaning. Man’s ability to transform and elevate mere mundane, physical ingredients into a structure of holiness indicates the incredible spiritual powers vested within him. K’chol asher Ani mareh osecha, “Like everything that I show you,” is a reference to Hashem showing Moshe Rabbeinu the exact form of each of the Mishkan’s vessels. Thus, Moshe had before…

Continue Reading

Home -> 5773 -> Terumah

מאת כל איש אשר ידבנו לבו תקחו את תרומתי

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Terumah, 5773

From every man whose heart motivates him, you shall take My portion. (25:2)

Much has been written in praise of those who generously open their hearts and their wallets to help those who are in need. What about those who volunteer to raise funds for people and organizations in need? The commentators write that he who contributes charity, receives his due reward regardless of his motivation – be it l’shmah, for the sake of the mitzvah or the person and organization in need, or he is acting beneficently to promote himself. The same does not hold true with regard to the one who has the “fun job” of raising money. He must do…

Continue Reading

Home -> 5773 -> Terumah

ויקחו לי תרומה

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Terumah, 5773

And they shall take for Me a portion. (25:2)

Tanna D’vei Eliyahu says that when Klal Yisrael accepted the Torah with a resounding declaration of Naase’ v’Nishma, “We will do and We will listen,” Hashem immediately informed Moshe Rabbeinu that it was time to collect contributions for the building of the Mishkan. What relationship is there between Naase’ v’Nishma and V’yikchu Li terumah? The Admor m’Mishkoltz, Shlita, offers the following homiletic exposition. He quotes the Bnei Yissaschar who cites the Maharash Primo, zl, who questions our ability to benefit from this world. We are quite aware that Yaakov Avinu and his brother Eisav “divided” their assets, with Eisav taking…

Continue Reading

Home -> 5773 -> Terumah

ויקחו לי תרומה מאת כל איש אשר ידבנו לבו

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum
In Terumah, 5773

And they shall take for Me a Portion. (25:2)

Rashi adds: Li LiShmi, “Take for Me – for My Name.” What is Rashi teaching us by adding Li LiShmi – for My Name? Obviously, if a person contributes to the Mishkan which will serve as the repository for the Shechinah, Divine Presence, the person is doing so for Hashem. What does adding His Name add to the equation? The Chavos Yair offers a penetrating explanation which has powerful ramifications for the way we should give tzedakah, charity. He quotes the Shlah HaKadosh who posits that one who gives charity to a poor man – even an amount as miniscule…

Continue Reading

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our weekly Peninim on the Torah list!

You have Successfully Subscribed!