- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Torah Portion and Tanach
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This message is not to be construed as allowing a novice with good and holy intentions to practice as a brain surgeon. There is a famous Jewish story about a young rabbi who had just come to town and with great enthusiasm set for himself the task of constructing a mikvah/ritualarium. Not having architectural instructions and plans or previous construction experience he nevertheless set himself to the task with great commitment and enthusiasm. The source of his expertise in the construction of the building was his study and understanding of the mishnayot of tractate Mikvaot. After a short period of time the building rose and was completed. After another period of time the building suddenly collapsed. When the townspeople came to inform the rabbi of the collapse of the building he mused and said to them: "Tosafot, the later commentary to Mishna and Talmud, truly raises an objection to the conclusion of that mishna!" The Mishkan was built by talented people. But in the Jewish world talent without commitment is eventually of little value just as commitment without talent is not the way to build buildings or teach children. The Torah always deals in practical human terms. But having commitment, vision and a holy attitude is a practical requirement not a soaring spiritual achievement. This lesson of the Torah applies to all areas of life - marriage, children, professions, and human projects, etc. One has to always see the larger picture, the vision that lies behind all of the apparently smaller things in life. And perhaps that is the most important and relevant lesson that the parsha has to teach us.

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