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Simha bat Hana
Rashi, citing Midrash Tanchuma, makes use of the word, mishkan’s similarity to the word for collateral, saying that the two Temples were taken away as collateral (i.e. destroyed) when Bnei Yisrael sinned. Based on the word, p’kudei’s double meaning as countings and being missing, the Chatam Sofer says that the lacking, which was responsible for the Temple’s destruction, was the fact that Moshe was missing. Had Moshe done all of the preparations for the Mishkan himself, it would not have been destroyed. If that is so, why didn’t Moshe indeed do everything himself? (Hashem commanded Moshe to involve Betzalel and Ohaliav (ibid. 31:1-6) so one cannot say that Moshe erred in this matter).
Before attempting to answer, let us deal with another question. The Gur Aryeh asks why Rashi waited to mention the double meaning of the word, mishkan, with its hint of the Mishkan’s vulnerability, until almost the end of the Torah’s discussion of the Mishkan. He answers that it was the counting of the donations that put the Temple in danger. Indeed, he says, whenever things are counted, the evil eye has the ability to ruin them. The same was true about the public giving of the Torah. We can ask again: so why count if it is so dangerous?
One answer can solve both related problems. Moshe could have done everything himself secretly, and then the Mishkan could have survived. But what would have been had Moshe done so and not gotten others, representing wider circles of Bnei Yisrael, involved in its construction? What if not everyone had given half a shekel, which needed to be counted? Apparently, we would have had a stable Mishkan, which would have enabled the spiritual elite to bring sacrifices and worship. But under those circumstances, Klal Yisrael, the nation whose whole is greater than the sum of its parts, would not have been involved and connected. The part of the "simple person," who may have much greater significance than meets the eye, would have been missing. Only when Bnei Yisrael as a whole donate and are involved in constructing the Sanctuary can the Divine Presence dwell in each and every one (see Shemot 25: 1-8).
Painful as the trade-off is, it is better to have a vulnerable Temple for all, than a solid ivory tower.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
