“Aharon Will Arrange them”

Based on Siach Shaul, p. 280

How does the mitzva of the oil and the lighting end up in the middle of the blueprints of the Mishkan, in between the description of the structure and its holy vessels and that of the glorious holy garments of the kohanim?

Connecting to the Torah through Unity

From Siach Shaul, p. 236-7

Hashem raised up our spiritual level in an unprecedented manner of “jumping up in levels". This took the nation from the 49th rung of impurity to the highest level of sanctity and preparedness to receive the Torah.

Down to the Earth and Up to the Sky

Address in America, 1952

In describing the dwelling of the Shechina (Divine Presence) in the Mishkan, our parasha says: “I shall dwell in the midst of Bnei Yisrael … I took you out of the Land of Egypt to have My Presence dwell in your midst” (Shemot 29:45-6). Rashi says that Hashem took Bnei Yisrael out on condition that He would have His Shechina among them, and the Ramban adds that this dwelling of the Shechina is for Hashem’s benefit.

“His Congregation He Founded on the Land”

The midrash (Bamidbar Rabba 15:18) connects the pasuk, “Assemble for me seventy men” (Bamidbar 11:16) to “He built the Heavens level upon level, and His congregation He founded on the land” (Amos 9:6). The midrash comments that, as hard as it is to say so, Hashem’s throne in the Heavens is stable only if Israel forms a cohesive congregation. What is the great significance of this unity? The midrash (Bereishit Rabba 38:6) says on the pasuk, “There is a connection in Ephrayim through idols; leave him” (Hoshea 4:17) that even if the people are idol worshippers, if they are connected to each other, Hashem will leave them unscathed. What possible positive element can come from the binding together of wicked people?

The Power of Unity

The midrash (Bamidbar Rabba 15:18) connects the pasuk “Assemble for me seventy men” (Bamidbar 11:16) to the pasuk in Amos (9:6): “He builds upper chambers in the heavens, and His aguda (binding together) He founded on the earth.” The midrash takes this to mean that, kav’yachol, Hashem’s throne in the heavens is only firm if Israel is bound together in unity. Another powerful midrash along this line says that even when the Northern Kingdom of Israel was guilty of idol worship, Hashem left them intact because they were connected to each other (Bereishit Rabba 38:6). What is so positive about the unity between sinners?

Do Your Part

“The Mishkan was erected” (Shemot 40:17). What do we learn from the use of passive voice? “Moshe said before Hashem: ‘How will I have the power to erect it?’ Hashem answered: ‘You only have to place your hand there, and it will turn out that it is erected by itself’” (Rashi 39:33).

A Dangerous Fissure

There are many basic questions to consider when analyzing the sin of the Golden Calf. How is it that Bnei Yisrael changed their approach so quickly when Moshe came down from the mountain? After all, when Chur rebuked the people, they killed him (Sanhedrin 7a), and here Moshe destroyed their idol and enlisted the Tribe of Levi to fight the sinners without opposition!

Caring about Justice for All

Bnei Yisrael arrived at Mt. Sinai with an encampment that is famously described as “like one man with one heart” (Rashi, Shemot 19:2). The unity, which was preparatory for the receiving of the Torah, is not just preparation but is the essence of the Torah. Unity in the world and in interpersonal relationships is not just a convenient means. It is the purpose and the essence of life for all that breathes.

Song of the Deciders of World History

When Hashem saved the Israelites and killed the Egyptians with great miracles at Yam Suf, the angels wanted to sing His praises. Hashem said to them: “The works of My Hand are drowning in the sea, and you are saying praises before Me?!” (Sanhedrin 39b). This is what Hashem said to the angels, whereas Bnei Yisrael were allowed and praised for singing to Hashem. What is the difference between them?

Liberation Built on Self-Sacrifice

The pasuk in Yechezkel (16:6), which we read in the Haggada, repeats the phrase, “In your blood you shall live.” The midrash (P’sikta 17) says it refers to the blood of mila and the blood of Korban Pesach. We are forbidden to give the Korban Pesach to a non-Jew or to one who does not have a brit mila (Shemot 12:43,48). Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer says: “In the merit of the blood of brit mila and Korban Pesach, they were liberated from Egypt, and in the merit of the blood of brit mila and Korban Pesach, they will be liberated at the end of ‘the fourth kingdom.’”

Respect Hashem’s Least Expected Partners

“[Hashem] commanded [Moshe and Aharon] to Bnei Yisrael and to Paroh, King of Egypt” (Shemot 6:13). Rashi provides two explanations of what was supposed to be done in relation to Paroh. The second had to do with the various actions Hashem had spelled out. The first one is actually to treat Paroh with respect.

The Less Understandable Request

It is hard to understand the way Moshe and Aharon presented their demands of Paroh, demands which resulted in the freeing of Bnei Yisrael from bondage and their exodus from Egypt. Hashem told them to tell Paroh that they want to travel for three days into the desert and bring sacrifices to Hashem (Shemot 5:3). Was there a need for Hashem to hide the fact that they were to be leaving permanently and not just bringing sacrifices and returning? Certainly Hashem was capable of getting Paroh to agree to anything. In fact, he even had to harden Paroh’s heart so that he would not agree earlier.

A Decision on a Different Plane by a Nation Fit for It

Mishkan Vs. Shabbat

The Desire to be Coerced

The Oral Law – A Torah of Life

based on Siach Shaul, pg. 294-5

based on Siach Shaul, pg. 294-5

The Importance of Amalek

A Balanced Approach

based on Siach Shaul, pp. 202-203

based on Siach Shaul, pp. 202-203

For Now and for Generations

“On this Day, They Came to Sinai”