Vayakhel – Page 10 – Peninim on the Torah

“And it came to pass, in the first month, in the second year, on the first day of the month, the Mishkan was set up.” (40:17)

The Midrash Tanchuma states that the Mishkan was essentially completed months before the date mentioned in the Torah. Hashem, however, chose to delay the “official” establishment of the Mishkan until this date because it coincided with the date Yitzchak Avinu was born. This Midrash is perplexing! Why did Hashem specifically choose to integrate the joy of Hakomas ha’Mishkan with the birth of Yitzchak Avinu? Horav Elimelech Moller, Shlita, offers an insightful explanation for this. He cites Rabbeinu Yonah, who writes that one who is truly botei’ach, trusting in Hashem, will believe that his salvation will emerge even from the brink…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5753

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5753, Vayakhel

“And the stuff they had was “sufficient” for all the work to make it with some “left over.” (36:7)

The text of this pasuk seems enigmatic. The word “sufficient” implies an accounting of materials for a precise purpose, for which an accurate amount is necessary. “Left over,” on the other hand, denotes a surplus of these materials. Horav M. Shapiro, z.l., offers a novel approach to resolving this apparent “contradiction.” Every Jew contributed towards the Mishkan, each according to his own means. Some individuals wanted to donate more than their resources permitted, but were not allowed to do so. There were also probably individuals who had procrastinated, intending to give more before the call came to cease the…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayakhel

“And all of the congregation of Bnei Yisrael went out from before Moshe (35:20)

The Or Hachaim questions the apparent redundancy in mentioning from where the Bnei Yisrael departed. Is it not obvious that since Moshe had assembled Bnei Yisrael for a specific purpose, upon completion of his speech they would leave from “before Moshe”? The Alter of Kelm Z”l answers this question insightfully. When Bnei Yisrael left Moshe’s study hall after listening to a lecture from their great teacher, it was apparent from where they had come, and from whom they had heard words of Torah. Moshe’s students did not reflect his teaching only in his presence. Their essence was permeated by their…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayakhel

“See, Hashem has called the name of Betzalel the son of Uri, the son of Chur, of the tribe of Yehudah.” – “And also the gift of teaching He has put in his heart, both he and Ahliav, the son of Achisamach, of the tribe of Dan.” (35:34)

The Midrash takes note of the various “partnerships” involved in the making of both the Mishkan and the Bais Hamikdash. Regarding the Mishkan it is stated that Betzalel of the tribe of Yehudah and Ahaliav of the tribe of Dan were the ones who spearheaded the work. The Bais Hamikdash was also built by individuals who descended from these respective tribes, such as Shlomo Hamelech of the tribe of Yehudah and the son of a widow from the tribe of Dan. The Midrash points out the significance of using an artisan who was a member of he tribe of Yehudah…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayakhel

“And the bringing of the materials was enough for all the work that was to be done, and more than enough.” (36:7)

Upon reading this pasuk, one is confronted with an apparent contradiction. Initially we are told that the bringing of the materials was “enough,” implying that the people brought whatever was necessary to build the Mishkan, but not more than that. Then, immediately the pasuk concluded with “and more than enough.” To paraphrase the words of the Or Hachayim – If it was enough it was not extra; if it was extra, it was it was not enough! He offers the following resolution. The Torah is informing us of the unbounded love that Hashem has for Bnei Yisrael. Due to the…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5752

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5752, Vayakhel

“And he made the laver of copper… out of the mirrors of the assembled women who assembled at the entrance of the Ohel Moed.” (38:8)

The word vag (to make) is defined as an action which carries out an idea in material or substance appropriate to that idea. Therefore, the making of the laver, its specific shape, and the nature of the materials out of which it was made, were designated to be inherent parts of its symbolic value. It is deeply significant that the vessel of the Mishkan which was to represent the concept of the preservation of the moral purity of one’s efforts, ohkdru ohsh aushe – the laver was used to wash the hands and feet of the Kohanim prior to their…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5751

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Vayakhel

“Six days work shall be performed.” (35:2)

This posuk translated according to the vowel points under the word “vag,” is defined in the following manner: “Six days work shall be performed”, thus the emphasis is on the work which is performed. This is in contrast to the vowel points being read as “vag,” which would translate as “six days “you” should perform work.” Rabbi Shlomo Ganzfried Zt”l explains that only one who truly believes that his sustenance is from Hashem, and that the amount of work which he performs will not influence his livelihood, can rest peacefully on Shabbos. This is in contradinction to one who feels…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5751

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Vayakhel

“And every wise person among you shall come and do all that Hashem has commanded. (35:10)

The Baal Shem Tov offers an insight into the Torah‘s concept of wisdom from this posuk. There is no wisdom as the wisdom of action. The most elevated form of all wisdoms, the highest aspect of being a true wise person is not to be a wise individual in theory alone, but rather to do all that Hashem has commanded us. A person who performs a mitzvah because of a sense of understanding, applying his “wisdom” in “agreement” with Hashem, is not serving Hashem in its true essence. He must learn to serve and do without “wisdom”, and act because…

Home -> Vayakhel -> 5751

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In 5751, Vayakhel

“And the princes brought the Shoham stones.” (35:27)

The Midrash relates that when the princes of each tribe heard that Hashem wanted a Mishkan erected, they suggested to Moshe that they would supply all the necessary materials for the Mishkan. Moshe responded that Hashem would accept contributions from anyone who was willing to give. The Nesiim then decided, that rather than donate together with Klal Yisroel, they would supply whatever would be lacking. They underestimated the generosity of the Bnei Yisroel, who gave eagerly and lovingly, so that no more material was needed. The Nesiim were left excluded. Seeking to still have a part in the building of…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> 5755 ->

“And it came to pass, in the first month, in the second year, on the first day of the month, the Mishkan was set up.” (40:17)

“And the stuff they had was “sufficient” for all the work to make it with some “left over.” (36:7)

“And all of the congregation of Bnei Yisrael went out from before Moshe (35:20)

“See, Hashem has called the name of Betzalel the son of Uri, the son of Chur, of the tribe of Yehudah.” – “And also the gift of teaching He has put in his heart, both he and Ahliav, the son of Achisamach, of the tribe of Dan.” (35:34)

“And the bringing of the materials was enough for all the work that was to be done, and more than enough.” (36:7)

“And he made the laver of copper… out of the mirrors of the assembled women who assembled at the entrance of the Ohel Moed.” (38:8)

“Six days work shall be performed.” (35:2)

“And every wise person among you shall come and do all that Hashem has commanded. (35:10)

“And the princes brought the Shoham stones.” (35:27)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!