YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Vayikra
During the account of the command to build the Mishkan, Shabbat is mentioned after the command. However, later on, it is mentioned before the description of the actual building. In between these two sections, the Torah tells the story of the sin of the Golden Calf and its aftermath. The disciples of the Gra posit that after the giving of the Torah, Bnei Yisrael reached the level of Adam before his sin. On that level, they should have been able to build the Mishkan even on Shabbat. After the calf, their level plummeted and they had to refrain from construction on Shabbat. Yet, throughout its existence, service in the Mishkan and Temple was permitted on Shabbat. What is the difference between the construction and the service in this regard?
During the miluim (the days of inauguration), Moshe did the avoda in the Mishkan, a duty that was transferred to Aharon and his sons only thereafter. During the pre-Beit Hamikdash preparations of bringing the aron (ark) to Yerushalayim, King David dressed similarly to a kohen and led the "services." During the inauguration of the Beit Hamikdash, it seems that King Shlomo brought the sacrifices (Melachim I, 8: 62-64), not the kohanim. What was special about the inaugural period?
Our Rabbis have taught us that there are three categories of sanctity: place-related; time-related; and person-related. At least one of these categories has to be functioning in full force in order for there to be a strong spiritual anchor. Before the sin of the Golden Calf, Bnei Yisrael was on a level whereby there was strength in human sanctity. The Divine Presence could dwell in the individual and the world could handle not keeping Shabbat in the quest to make a Sanctuary. After the sin and before there was a Mishkan, there was a need to preserve the sanctity of time of Shabbat even if it meant suspending the building of the Mishkan. After the Mishkan was built, the service that was related to that sanctity could be performed even on Shabbat (thus lowering the sanctity of time) by relying on the sanctity of place.
The mitzva to build a Sanctuary and Temple is a national effort, which is to be done by the king or supreme leader. A citizen, even a special one like a kohen, cannot volunteer to take leadership in this regard until the Temple already is functioning.
Let us pray and make efforts that all elements of sanctity will be restored to their fullest speedily in our times.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
