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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!
Rabbis in Midrash
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
