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| Parshat Terumah Highlights
Introduction: One has to have faith every moment of the day. When the destruction of the Temple took place and the enemy was taking apart the building, they came across the KODESH HAKADASHIM- the holiest part of the Temple containing the two KERUVIM which were, strangely, embra-cing one another. This was odd because we all know that when they embrace each other it is a sign that G-d loves us and is embracing us. However, it didn’t seem like that was happening!! The destruction was one of if not the darkest times in our history. How can they be embracing?
Rav Baruch Dopelt quotes from the Chassidic sources saying that the month of Av, when the destruction took place, is when G-d is with us the most.
There is a Torah law that when a husband is about to go away for an extended period of time, he has to spend time with his wife, physically. The reason is be-cause before any separation; the love shown has the longest lasting impression.
G-d too is with us in a very intense way before separation. Perhaps, one has to maintain faith in times of trial and despair as well, for it to materialize.
One such person was Palti ben Layish. When one does what is expected, the Torah adds a name to him. Palti’s name was amended to Paltiel, adding the name of G-d. He was truly a man of faith who passed a very difficult test. He was forced to marry the King’s daughter, Michal, even though she was technically still married to David. Throughout the seven years of marriage to Michal, or I should say seven years of just being with her as “friends”, he refrained from having any relations with Michal.
How did he control himself?
Rav Chaim Shmuelvitz quotes the Gemara who says that he stuck a knife in the middle of the bed the first night and declared “whoever crosses this line deserves death”.
How can a sword alone deter them in a time of passion?
Obviously, Rav Shmuelvitz explains, it’s not the sword; it’s the reminder to a moment of strength. The sword will remind one of the holiness he experienced at that moment. The Gemara says that when he had to give her up to David, her true husband, he wept as he escorted her out. It was bittersweet; he passed the test, however he got used to looking at the beautiful Michal. One gets used to someone and feelings develop.
This period was Paltiel’s most troubling. It was a tremendous test and he passed it!
Presumably, this is when Paltiel felt that G-d was embracing him the most. After all, G-d added his name as a stamp of approval. Conversely, during a difficult time is when we should embrace G-d the most.
First Portion: * The Jew of today goes to Synagogue daily; some go weekly; there are those who go less frequent. In essence, we are practicing what the Torah describes ‘And I (G-d) will dwell among them’ the question is asked why does it say ‘them’? it should say ‘dwell among it ‘; the subject is the sanctuary, the one central Temple. However, the spirituality of the sanctuary has been transmitted to every local synagogue and study hall where optimally the Mikdash brings a man so close to G-d, all feel Him within them, where G-d approaches each being according to what he can endure. Although our great nation is part and parcel with each other and we all follow the same central laws; however communicating with G-d is also very personal.
* When one is considering moving to a new neighborhood, one of the first and foremost items on his list are that he should seek is a temple of his liking.
* It is odd that G-d instructed us to make a sanctuary and limit the spirituality and to confine G-d to a concrete area, the Mishkan. It sounds like a contradiction to the essence of Judaic belief of G-d, which is, G-d is everywhere. However, it became essential because man needs that central figure to reinforce the strong commitment to G-d. Unfortunately the lack of temple added to the temptation that caused the Israelites to sin at the golden calf incident. For this reason, now we can answer why the sequence of events is in question because apparently the sin of the golden calf was brought before the building of the Mishkan, and here the parshiot are lined up the opposite. As we know, the Mishkan was enacted because of the sin of the golden calf. Rav Zalman Zorotzkin suggests perhaps we see a pattern how G-d runs the world; He never gives the diseases before the cure.
* Mikdash – according to Maimonides and other commentaries – means ‘house of appointment. The main purpose is to prepare oneself for tomorrow.
* Every person volunteered something that was from thirteen raw materials that was found in the Mikdash.
* The Aron (Arc) was the most essential part of the Mishkan and therefore discussed first. Apparently, it was constructed before the Mishkan itself.
Second Portion: * The Keruvim were the most intriguing part of the Mishkan. They were set on top of the Aron. The two Keruvim were baby-faced and had wings. If at times, the Israelites’ prayers were accepted, the Keruvim would embrace each other, and at times when the prayers were not accepted, they would turn away from each other. Their wings thrust upward signifying that man should always aspire for spiritual heights.
* Atzai Sheetim/cedar wood was the wood used for the Mishkan. Why did G-d prefer the wood of the Sheetim above all other kinds of cedar? The Sheetim were picked since it bears no fruit. G-d wanted to set an example for people who build a house. They should reason that if G-d constructed His Mishkan from the wood of a barren tree, we certainly should not use the wood of a fruit tree for this purpose. (One should note it is not permissible to cut down a fruit tree.)
Third Portion: * The menorah had seven lamps, which corresponded to the constellation of the seven stars. The seven stars represent the course of all natural events in the universe. The flames, which were lit with the purest of olive oil, symbolize the illumination of the intellect, and will rise above the mundane nature of the world. The center flame represents Shabbat, and the other six flames; three before and three after represent the days of the week, which get all their power and resources from Shabbat. The Shabbat represents time, and the Mishkan represents the place where G-d brings down spirituality.
Fourth Portion: * There is a tremendous emphasis on wood in the Mishkan. The Temple represents peace and all the components that go with it. Our Father, Abraham, received guests, the three Angels, under difficult circumstances. The kindness which he performed by serving them under a tree; this is the kind of tree that is represented in the Mishkan. Later, Our father, Yaacov instructed his children to plant these trees in Egypt, knowing they will not find trees in the desert, where they would take the cedar wood with them.
Fifth Portion: * The Shulchan (table) was the medium through which the blessing of nourishment flowed to the entire world. G-d therefore commanded it should never be empty since His blessing rests on substantial matters. This was hinted by Elisha the prophet who told an improvised woman that she must have something in the house upon which G-d’s blessing could rest. It’s also important to note never to say that the bracha is finished; one should conclude ‘the bracha is plenty’.
* Some communities have a tradition to place the twelve breads that were presented in the Mishkan, and place them to say the bracha ‘Hamotzi’ at their Shabbat table.
Sixth Portion: * The Altar is where the sacrifices take place. Many miracles were performed in the Mishkan. It’s fascinating how a fire from the heavens comes down and consumes the sacrifice in which the individual brings; that signifies that it has been accepted. Imagine, I can’t help but think how that’s a very significant way to get close to G-d.
Seventh Portion: * If one notices there is no metal or steel in the temple, that is because metal symbolizes war and the Mishkan represents peace. There are communities that remove the knives from the Shabbat table meal before birkat hamazon because the Shabbat table represents the Mizbeach, and believe it or not, is a great way to get close to G-d. |
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Pagen Ritual or the Truth
The obvious question that everybody on the planet asks is: “aren’t the KERUVIM-the angel like statues on the ARON a form of idol worship?”
Even if the Jews of that time period were 100% believers, wouldn’t it still be putting a stumbling block in front of a blind man, considering that this was the number one temptation of that time period?
Boy, the KERUVIM sure seem to go against a prime directive of “do not make for yourself any carved idols or any likeness of anything that is in the heaven above or here on earth below” (Shemot 20:4). We all know how our forefather, Avraham, broke all the idols in his father’s store. Then he placed the hammer into the hand the the biggest idol and when his father came in, Avraham simply pointed to the last remaining idol, and said he did it!
Speaking of Avraham, we find a similar incident. What made the test of the AKAIDA (G-d told Avraham to slaughter his beloved son) more difficult was that all his life he was preaching to the world “it’s not proper to sacrifice your children to your gods” and here he is, Mr. self-righteous doing the same!
Similarly, the Romans ridiculed us after they conquered and destroyed our Temple. They brought out the KERUVIM and said “look they worship idols just like we do, they are no different”.
The Abarbanel explains that images were only forbidden if it was the intention to worship them.
The KUZARI explains regarding the sin of the Golden calf that the Israelites did not deny G-d’s existence rather they only wanted to make their worship of Him more concrete.
Interestingly, G-d issued two commandments regarding engraved images that seem to contradict each other. This is reminiscent of the Talmudic dictum that “whatever the Torah forbade, it made permissible by other means”. Thus, when G-d said “do not make for yourself carved idols” He also said “make two KERUVIM”. Likewise, one is prohibited to marry the wife of his deceased brother, but is commanded to do so if he dies childless. We are forbidden to wear any garments made of wool and linen, but the next verse states “make yourself tzitzit on the four corners of your garment” and these garments may wool even if the corners are linen. The Torah states that “those who violate the Shabbat shall be killed”, yet He commands “On the Shabbat day, a two year old lamb without a blemish shall be brought”. Such an offering involves acts that violate the Shabbat.
All of the above do not come close to the wonderment expressed regarding the commandment of placing the KERUVIM on top of the ARON which mimics idol worship. It sounds heretical, but mustn’t we ask-“what was G-d thinking?”
Perhaps that’s exactly the point. We have no authority or right to probe into something that G-d did not provide us answers for. We just have to follow the commandment and do G-d’s will. We tend to forget the proper outlook we should have; our religion is a belief. That’s the challenge. Belief comes from the heart. So one should not say “HEY MAN PROVE IT”. We answer to him ” WELL CHABIBI HOW DO YOU FEEL?”
Still, the KERUVIM remain one of the most perplexing mysteries in our religion.
This Dvar Torah is the fruit of a quick conversation had with Rabbi Lenny Bromberg plus some thoughts culled from the Nachshoni.
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Essence of a Perfect State of Mind
Starts at Home
Rabbi Baruch Dopelt quoting the Ramban.
It’s important that when we leave our home in the morning we should depart with the right and healthy frame of mind. The home is an important setting in our attempt to attain spirituality.
The book of BERESHIT is called the book of YETZIRA- creation, while the book of SHEMOT is called HAGEULAH- the redemption. Really, the book should finish at the end of Parshat BESHALACH, after G-d split the sea and the Jews were saved and they lived happily ever after as they entered the desert. However, the book doesn’t end there. A parsha later, our parsha this week, Teruma, the narrative begins teaching us about the Temple, the building of it. Even the clothing of the high priest is discussed. What does the redemption from Egypt have to do with the pants of the Kohen Gadol? What’s the common thread that connects them together? Is there one?
As we know, our forefathers were the pinnacle of perfection. We read about them in the book of Bereshit. They endured many challenges in their life, but they persevered. We should learn a lesson from them and try to emulate their strong belief.
When Avraham lost his wife, Sarah, after passing the most crucial test ever THE AKEDA or sacrificing of his son, he subsequently found a wife for their son, Yitzchak. Yitzchak brought Rivka, his new wife, back to his mother’s tent and he loved her. Thus, Yitzchak was consoled over his mother’s death.
The commentaries say that there were three special brachot in Sarah’s tent. Firstly, the candle lit again from Shabbat to Shabbat. Secondly, there was a bracha in the dough. Lastly, there was the special cloud over the tent.
The three things appear in this week’s parsha as well. The ANAN- the cloud of glory hovered over the Jewish people commensurate to the cloud above the tent. The miracle of the long lasting LECHEM HAPANIM, the bread baked in the Temple, corres-ponded to the bracha in the dough. Finally, the NER HAMAARAVI- the light of the Temple was equivalent to Sara’s candle.
The cloud was the source of protection, the bread was the source of sustenance and the light represents the eternal soul of man.
These three are understood as representing the achieving of perfection. Sarah passed the baton onto Rivkah as a sign that the tradition continues. Our mothers and wives are called the BAYIT-house, as we see in the Megillat Esther, when we refer to Esther who, according many, was Mordachai’s wife, as the house. The women are the foundation of the house. They raise the children. They are the backbone while the fathers are front and center of the family. The husband and wife shape the family to perfection, raising the children in the right path.
One cannot merit redemption without attaining perfection. There has to be a protection – a cloud of glory. The Malbim says that the KERUVIM protected the ARON. Similarly, the Angels in heaven who are also called KERUVIM surround the heavenly throne. Our protection for our home is the MEZUZA. The dough, as we mentioned, is the sustenance. In order to achieve satisfaction, one has to give 10% of his earnings to charity. It is also crucial to maintain a peaceful home. Light is another name for the Torah. Once we accomplish these goals utilizing the light, the cloud and the dough, can we be mentioned in the same category as our forefathers and ultimately be redeemed. It seems that indeed the second half of the book of Shemot if fulfilled correctly will lead us on the path to redemption, just like the first half of the book.
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Father and Son Relationship
The most intriguing and fascinating items of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) are the Keruvim. They were found on top of the Aron. They were two child-like faces with wings pointed upwards. When the Israelites were close to G-d, they would embrace each other, and when the Jews were not on the standards that they should be, the Keruvim would face away from one another.
The sages say, when G-d wanted to give the Torah to the Jews, he asked for a guarantor. So the Israelites replied “Our Forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Yaacov would be perfect.” G-d refused, stating “They owe me. How can they be guarantors?” An example was given, if a man wants to borrow money from someone and demands a guarantor, and the potential borrower says how about Joe? The potential lender refuses stating “how can he be a guarantor? He owes me money himself.”
G-d said to the Jews” bring me someone that doesn’t owe me.” The Israelites answered back “We know someone who doesn’t owe You a thing, the children; they’ll be the guarantors.”
Apparently, there are a number of different opinions as to who exactly were the Keruvim; some say it’s a boy and a girl; others say it was a boy and a man. Yechezkel’s vision was that of a boy and a man.
What’s the meaning of having a boy and a man on the faces of the Keruvim? Rabbi Noach Isaac Olbaum explains this is the essential part of
Judaism. It’s the father and son relationship that’s crucial to the continuous existence of our nation. It’s the father’s obligation to pass down the tradition to his son. Without a doubt, the fact that the Keruvim were placed in the holies of holies on top of the Aaron shows the importance of the relationship between the father and son. You can’t get holier than that place.
Therefore, we have to examine and fortify our relationship with our children. It should be healthy and communicative. The parody of the American dysfunctional family is brought out very well in the satirical TV series, The Simpsons. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen television and that show in particular. The show, indeed, well written, was very funny but very sad; but most important, a very true portrayal of many family structures, or I should say dis-structure in the western world.
The Torah emphasis the importance of the bond of father and son and the crucial treasure the Torah, passing down the tradition, that’s at stake. So perhaps what we could do is go out for a burger with our son; have a catch when the weather gets nice and most important, learn Torah with him. It’s important and it’s a priceless moment.
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Kid’s Section
by Rabbi Gedalia Fogel – Pre 1A – Yeshiva Ketana of Queens  Hi! This is Rebbe speaking:
In this week’s parsha, Parshat Terumah, it speaks about the building of the Mishkan, a resting place for Hashem. Today we do not have the Mishkan, but we have the opportunity to make our homes into a Mishkan. When we do the will of Hashem and we have harmony in our homes we allow Hashem to dwell there thus creating a Mishkan. A synagogue is also called a Mishkan. We must make sure to have the utmost respect for a synagogue since it sanctified and holy.
There were many Tzadikim that were the caretakers of their synagogues. No matter how many times others offered, they did not want to give up the privilege of sanctifying the Mishkan.
A Shul, a synagogue, is a place for prayer. One must refrain from speaking during prayers. Some are stringent not to speak about mundane matters even before or between prayers. Some believe that certain synagogues were destroyed because their congregants spoke during Tefillah, prayers. There are those that have a custom to kiss the wall of the shul every time they enter.
Reb Chananya Yom Tov Lipa Heller, the Tosfos Yom Tov, made a special blessing that is said when we read the Torah, blessing all those that refrain from speaking in Shul.
There was a famous shul in the town of Brod that had learning sessions 24 hours. There was never a moment without Torah learning or prayers in that Shul. It is stated that this is where Hashem’s presence truly rested. Many great Tzaddikim learned in Brod. The Baal Shem Tov used to periodically give a gold coin to upkeep the Shul in Brod.
There are stories told of people who tried their utmost to make their prayer house a Mishkan. They would donate candles. They would spend extra time after prayers to return the Siddurim to the bookcase. Some spent extra time straightening the chairs or tables.
There was an inspiring story about a simpleton. Gershon heard the Rabbi say that in the time of the Beit Hamikdash, the Holy Temple, there were Lechem Hapanim, twelve loaves of fresh bread. When Gershon decided he wanted to sanctify his synagogue, he thought of a great solution. Thursday evening Gershon’s wife set aside two of her freshly baked Challot. Gershon lovingly sneaked into the shul before dawn and placed these two loaves into the Aron Kodesh, the Holy Ark. Unbeknownst to Gershon, the Gabbai, the caretaker, cleaned the shul Friday before the morning prayers and removed the mysterious Challot. Gershon excitedly return to his wife and announced “Hashem has accepted our gift. He has taken the Challot.” This scenario repeated itself week after week. Gershon and his wife were ecstatic. One Friday morning the Rabbi of the shul entered a few minutes earlier than usual just in time to see the caretaker remove the Challot from the Holy Ark. “What is the meaning of this?” asked the Rabbi. “I do not know. Each Friday there are two Challot in the Holy Ark.” The Rabbi decided to come much earlier the next week to see who was behind all this. When Gershon returned the next week and was lovingly placing the Challot in the Ark, the Rabbi emerged from his hiding place in the woman’s section. “What is the meaning of this?” Gershon excitedly replied, “Each week on behalf of myself and my wife, I place a gift for Hashem, two fresh Challot into the Holy Ark. I see Hashem really appreciates this gift for he takes it each week.” “Hashem does not take your Challot. The caretaker removes it.” Gershon walked home dejected. He gloomily told his wife his naïve mistake. Both Gershon and his wife were inconsolable. The holy Arizal saw what had transpired through Ruach Hakodesh and reprimanded the Rabbi of the Shul. “Do you realize the repercussions of your actions? You have dejected and embarrassed Gershon. You have taken away Hashem’s greatest pleasure. In heaven they had stated that since the time of the Holy Temple no one had brought an offering to Hashem until the loaves from this simple couple. Gershon was able to accomplish the unachievable.” His seemly silly offering of two Challot brought great joy and merit in Heaven.
When Mashiach will come we will merit the building of the Beit Hamikdash, the most magnificent dwelling place.
What have we learned today?
How can we create and upkeep a resting place for Hashem? We can build a Mishkan in our homes by living in the ways of Hashem and we can sanctify a prayer house by refraining from speaking during prayers and keeping the shul clean and neat.
What are some of the things that we can do to sanctify our synagogue, our place of prayer? We must make sure never to talk during Tefillah, prayers. We must be extremely careful to act properly and respectfully. We should help keep our synagogue neat and clean. Do not throw garbage on the floor or on the tables. Help put the prayer books back on the shelf after Tefillah. Even children can be a part in making their synagogue holy.
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| Dedications |
Mr. and Mrs. Rafi Fouzailoff for peace and unity in the world especially among our Jewish nation
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Gad hatzlacha to all
Mr. David Bodenhiem in loving memory of his father Naftali ben Avraham MENUCHATO BEH GAN EDEN
Mr.and Mrs Johnny Errman for refuah shelema Refael Ozer ben Chaya Malka
Anonymous in loving memory Leah Luba bat Bitiya, Moshe ben Azizoi, Ogul bat Sara MENUCHATAM BEH GAN EDEN
Mr. and Mrs. Joey Alibayof in loving memory of his mother Nurit Zulecha bat Malka and refuah shelema to his father Shmuel Naaman ben Yael
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Ambalu in loving memory of his father Eliyahu ben Yosef HaCohen.
Mr. & Mrs. Aharon Ambalu in loving memory of his father Eliyahu ben Yosef HaCohen.
The Matmon family in loving memory of father, grandfather and husband Yaacov ben Mazal, and grandmother and great grandmother Mazal bat Tamar MENUCHATAM BEH GAN EDEN
Anonymous
REFUA SHELEMA
Shoshana Roza bat Ester
Shura Yoshua bat Chusni
Frumit bat Esther Malka
Yissachar dov ben Tzipora Faiga
Nissim ben Rachel
Oshrat bat Esther
Refael ben Rochel
NETS MINYAN AT BET GAVRIEL SHABBAT MORNING!!!
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