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The midrash (Vayikra Rabba 1:6) informs us that what is behind the scenes of this contrast is the populace of Bnei Yisrael and its heads of tribes, in contrast to Moshe Rabbeinu. Moshe was sad that he had not contributed to the project of the Mishkan ("there is gold") and Hashem reassured him that the wisdom Moshe spoke to the people ("lips of knowledge") were more precious (Vayikra Rabba, Vayikra 1:6). We saw from the root of da’at’s first appearance in Tanach that it refers to very close relationships. When it is done properly, these relationships epitomize the relationship with Hashem.
Moshe’s mouth and his ability to speak occupy a major place in the events at the burning bush, at which the main issue discussed was the liberation of Israel. This liberation can also be called the wedding between the Divine Presence and Am Yisrael, which took place at Sinai (betrothal) and the entrance to the Land (marriage). Moshe described himself as incapable of proper speech ("heavy mouth and tongue" – Shemot 4:10). Elsewhere he complained of ineffective lips (ibid. 6:12). Hashem answered that He is the one who provides a mouth for all people and that He would "be with" Moshe’s mouth (ibid. 4: 1-12). The implication that it is as if they share a mouth is startling, and such mutuality between the One G-d and the greatest man comes up elsewhere – after the sin of the Golden Calf, with them speaking "face to face" (ibid. 33:11), and generally their speaking "mouth to mouth" (Bamidbar 12:8).
Therefore, the concept of siftei da’at (the lips of knowledge) has a special significance. It is not surprising then that the most holy of all songs, Shir Hashirim, starts with the relationship between Hashem and His nation being described as "He shall kiss me with the kiss of His lips" (1:2).
The task of the Mishkan and later the Mikdash was to be a platform for the closeness between the two "beloveds," and it was the kohanim’s job to ensure this. This job was set in our memory with the end of the prophecy in the Nevi’im: "For the lips of a kohen will guard da’at" (Malachi 2:7).
However, this does not always work out. Hoshea dedicates a few p’sukim (4:6-8) to excoriate certain bad kohanim, the sons of Eili, who were responsible for the destruction of the Mishkan in Shilo, as they used it as a means to enrich themselves and accumulate gold, silver and precious stones, which they preferred over da’at. They encouraged sins, as that would bring people to give sacrifices (chatat) from which they took parts. This removed the Divine Presence from the Mishkan and prophecy from among the kohanim.
Next week we will continue with the lessons of the expression siftei da’at.
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)
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)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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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)
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)
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
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
