YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Shmot
- Terumah
But they weren’t the first to say it: Rav Dessler, for example, says it, too, when he explains why the root of Love Ahava is "hav," which means "to give:" If you want someone to love you, give to him; he will then give to you in return, & that will create an ongoing loving relationship.
But the first to expound this principle, of course, is Hashem, in this week’s Sedra, when He tells Moshe: "Speak to Bnei Yisrael that they may take for Me a gift." Take rather than Give, because when you give from your heart, you receive much, much more in return.
That is why the Hebrew word Natan (nun, tav, nun) is the same backwards & forwards; giving creates an endless cycle of more giving, until giving & taking fuse into one.
This, of course, is the essence of EVERY Mitzva: You think you are giving to another - be it to a person or Hashem - but the reality is that you yourself are the real recipient. Shabbat, tefila, tzedaka, fasting on Yom Kippur; the beneficiary of every Mitzva policy is YOU.
The story is told of Rav Eliezer Gordon, founder of Telz, who studied for many years through the generous support of his father-in-law. Many times he wanted to take a Rabbinic position, but his father-in-law convinced him to stay on a bit longer & continue his learning. Finally, Rav Gordon felt he must utilize his learning & share it by serving a community (the Eisheshok khila).
"I cannot allow you to continue to support me," Rav Gordon told his benefactor, who whispered under his breath, "I’m not sure who is actually supporting who!" On the very day Rav Gordon finally moved to his new position, his father-in-law had a heart attack & died. It was then clear who was giving, & who was receiving.
Perhaps now we understand why, in our Parsha, Am Yisrael is first commanded to contribute to the Mishkan, & only then commanded to build the Mishkan! It should have been the opposite; Hashem should have said: "Here is My plan for a Mishkan; now here is how you will get the materials, by donating." And this is why Hashem says to Moshe, "Tell the people to make Me a Mikdash, and I will dwell in them."
The point is clear: You don’t merit having a Mishkan, a repository of G-d’s holiness, unless you first are giving people! Learn to selflessly give of yourself, your time, your money & your energy - & you will become the architect of your own personal Mishkan. The Almighty will then be absolutely delighted to dwell both within it - and within you!
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
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)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
