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However, the sefer ends with the final three p’sukim that discuss another element of the cloud and the Mishkan – that the cloud stayed on top of the Mishkan until it was time for Bnei Yisrael to move, so that the removal of the cloud signaled the start of the next sojourn. At first glance, this looks anticlimactic and inappropriate for our sefer. The movement of the cloud as a sign to travel is discussed at length, where it "should be" – in Sefer Bamidbar in discussing all of the characteristics of the encampment and the travels (specifically, Bamidbar 9:15-23). In what way does this seemingly technical usage of the divine cloud teach us something fundamental about the Mishkan, which would make it appropriate to conclude the discussion?
The Seforno’s following observation gives us an opening to a solution. We do not find that there was a special cloud over the Mishkan during its many years in Eretz Yisrael, most prominently in Shiloh, nor over the Beit Hamikdash. The Kli Yakar makes another observation. Moshe was able to enter divine clouds (see Shemot 24:18). The reason he could not enter the Mishkan due to the Divine Presence was that the Divine Presence was separated from the cloud – the cloud was on top of the Mishkan; the Divine Presence was inside the Mishkan. Thus, in its "uncovered" form, Moshe could not be together with the Divine Presence. But why was there separation, and why only in the Mishkan in the desert?
Now perhaps we can see a special element of the Temple that existed only in the Mishkan. The Mishkan in the desert was not just a place for Hashem’s Presence to dwell, for the kohanim to do their service, and for other Jews to come for service and inspiration on occasion. The Mishkan in the encampment was a daily focal point of the personal and national life of the people. There was not a day in which there was no visible sign of this Presence – one lifted his eyes and looked to the middle of the encampment, and there was the divine cloud hovering over it. (This is parallel to a daily portion of divine bread that fell.) When it was time to travel, the message was again brought home. If the divine cloud is going elsewhere, then that is the place that the nation needed to be, because the nature of the people’s spiritual life was focused on the Mishkan. This is indeed a climactic element of the Mishkan!
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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.
