Our Parsha this week is Parashas Ki Tisa .
HaShem Asks Moshe that when he takes a " Ki Tisa, " - " Census ," of The Children Of Israel, that each man shall give HaShem , an atonement for his soul, when counting them, a half shekel .
HaShem Knew of the Sin of the Chait Ha Aigel , the sin of the Golden Calf , that started half way through the day and so , HaShem Gave K'lal Yisrael , the opportunity to help atone by giving Half a Shekel. This half a shekel , that HaShem Showed Moshe , atop the Mountain , was to be collected , each giving half Shekel, to remind us that no Jew is an island , and that together we make ' one ' This half shekel was affordable by all , and went toward the communal offerings , so that all could have a share in it . HaShem Also Foresaw, that later on in history , at the time of Purim , haman would weigh out 10 000 kikar weight in order to bribe king achashveiros , so as to exterminate the Jews , and so HaShem Said , " let your half shekel from all add up and precede haman's bribe to the king and thus help atone for you and affect his attempt to destroy you , Chas Ve Shalom . This half Shekel was to be an annual giving , and was announced through out history on Rosh Chodesh Adar , when we read part of this portion in Shabbos Ki Tisa, to remind us before Purim , to give our half shekel at this time each year .
HaShem Then Instructed that the Copper Laver be made with water there for washing for Aharon and his sons whenever they come to the Tent of Meeting .
HaShem Then Tells Moshe to make the Shemen HaMishchah , the Holy Anointment Oil to anoint the holy vessels, and Aharon and his sons . This Anointment Oil was to remain through the generations, this one that Moshe made and it was not to be copied in any way . Incense was to be made and some of it was to be put before the Testimonial Tablets in the Tent of Meeting , where HaShem Would Meet Moshe , also not to be replicated .
HaShem designated thirteen year old Betzalel and Gave him wisdom and understanding to understand how HaShem Wanted all these vessels made , so he could build them according to HaShem's Wish and how they represented holy things from on high . Also Oholiav too was assigned to assist .
HaShem Instructs on The Holy Laws of the Shabbos . The Two Tablets were to be placed in the Ark .
When Moshe left to go up to HaShem , he left earlier in the day , before evening , and thus his forty day count started from that evening and thus would end at the end of that fortieth day . When it got to within that time , but not yet the completed day , the people got agitated , thinking Moshe may not return . They had sadly miscalculated that once he referred to a forty day period , that count starts from the very first evening just after he left . Thus , the Eirev Rav , the mixed multitude that were not Jews , that wanted to come along after leaving Egypt , started to agitate the people. They numbered 3000 . HaShem Did Not Want them along , but Moshe felt sorry for them and so , HaShem Let them come . The people gathered against Aharon asking who would lead them . Aharon assured them that Moshe would return . Up in Heaven , Moshe had to an extent left his physicality , which remained suspended in the air , while he spoke with HaShem , and so satan , deceivingly showed the people this physicality and so some of them believed Moshe to have passed on Chas Ve Shalom . They agitated more till Chur tried to stop them and they stoned and killed him , putting more pressure on Aharon . Aharon thought to try and delay them , by asking for their gold, thinking that they would never give it , but they did , even though the women protested . Aharon had no doubt that Moshe would return later and so said , " A Festival for HaShem tomorrow . " The women were rewarded for their loyalty to HaShem and Moshe , by having Rosh Chodesh dedicated in their honor to be a day of rest for them . The Gold was brought to Aharon and he thought to melt it in a furnace. At that time, evil Bilaam's two sons Yanus and Yambrus had gone along with the Eirev Rav . They stepped forward, with Micha, the boy Moshe had saved in Egypt from being put into the bricks , who had taken and was holding a scroll that Moshe had used to raise Yosef's coffin from the Nile , with. The words ' Alei Shor - Arise Ox ( where Yaakov had compared his son Yosef to an ox that stands with what it believes and is not swayed by outside negative influences , as Yosef had kept Yiddishkeit in Egypt , even though surrounded by its Tum'a Impurity ) ,' on it handed it to Yanus and Yambrus , and as the gold was put into the furnace , Yanus and Yambrus read the words on this scroll out loud , and out of the furnace , walked a living breathing golden calf which they tried to get the people to worship. The Eirev Rav , built twelve other calves , one for each tribe , and said to the Children of Israel , ' these are your gods oh Israel . "
While HaShem was busy giving Moshe the Ten Commandments , the airev rav were busy with idol worship .
The Miracle of the Tablets were a beauty to behold . They could be read from both sides and miraculously , on both sides, , the writing still faced forward . Some of the Hebrew Letters , like a Mem and Samech were completely rounded and carved out within the stone and thus , floated within the Tablets .
HaShem's Anger Was Kindled and Told Moshe to go down , for his people had corrupted themselves . Moshe couldn't believe they were doing this , but HaShem Assured him they were and sent him down , while he tried to speak up for them . The Giving of the Ten Commandments on Stone Tablets , was like a marriage contract between HaShem and us . Moshe carried the Tablets down though they weighed an extreme amount , and met faithful Yehoshuah at the bottom of the Mountain , for Yehoshuah had waited faithfully for his teacher and leader all forty days , while HaShem Had Fed him With the Mannah . Yehoshuah thought the revelry in the camp was one of war , but sadly Moshe informed him it wasn't . When Moshe came down and saw what the people were doing , his anger rose .And so did he lift with one hand , the Two Tablets in the air . The elders saw what he was about to do , and tried to wrestle the Tablets from him , but he was stronger then all of them , and thinking that if he broke the Tablets , HaShem Might be more Lenient on them , as it would be as if they had not yet received the Laws yet and hopefully not be so strongly punished , like a Sotah who has been unfaithful to her spouse , Moshe thought to break them . And so he threw the Tablets from his hands and broke them . HaShem Agreed with this action , for just before he came down , HaShem Had Removed the script from the Tablets and let them float back up again . Moshe had already begged HaShem To Forgive them , but HaShem Was Too Upset and Hurt . HaShem Had Even Offered To Destroy us and Make Moshe a great nation , but loyal Moshe wouldn't have it . Moshe was angry with Aharon , who was Punished by him losing his two sons at a later date .
Moshe called to the people asking who is on HaShem's Side , let them come to him . The Levites gathered around him . They were instructed to kill 3000 Eirev Rav with the sword . Moshe burnt the calf in the fire , and ground it down to a fine powder , sprinkled it over the water and made them drink it , thus taking the test of the Sotah , as an unfaithful bride .
Moshe returned to HaShem to plead forgiveness for them . This was the time of the 17th of Tammuz that they did this . Moshe went as far as asking HaShem to Erase him from the book . HaShem Did Not Want To Go Ahead of the people , But Wanted To Send an angel instead . HaShem , In Telling Moshe To Remove himself from HaShem's Presence , so He Could destroy us in an instant , alerted Moshe to the fact that if Moshe stays and not leave HaShem Alone , but prays and begs for the people , Moshe , who caught the cue , would save the people . HaShem Struck the people with a plague .
When Moshe went down , he followed HaShem's Way ,and also moved his Tent away from the camp , 2000 amos , the Techum Shabbos , the limit to walk on Shabbos from a city limit . When Moshe would come out , the people would stand and so HaShem Saw they were sorry . So would the people do , when HaShem's Shechinah that followed Moshe out there , Would Converse with Moshe or when Moshe would instruct the people .
Moshe pleaded to see HaShem's Nearness , and HaShem Only Partly Granted Moshe's request from within deep rock , Letting Moshe only see the Back of Him , for HaShem's Face May Not be seen .
HaShem Then Instructed Moshe , with the Saphire Moshe was Told He would find underneath his own tent , to carve Two Stone Tablets like the first ones and again to come up to HaShem on the first of Elul .HaShem Revealed to Moshe the Thirteen Attributes Of Mercy for us to gain Mercy and Forgiveness , and HaShem Forgave the people and Moshe came down with The Second Tablets on the tenth of Tishrei, the day that was to be Yom Kippur .
Moshe had gotten HaShem To Relent and Lead us and this time , Moshe had gone up physically to HaShem , neither eating nor drinking like before , but this time in his physical body , for the forty days , the third forty days that Moshe had gone up to Heaven . Thus Moshe with the radiance of HaShem and His Torah , came down with his face shining rays and thus had to wear a Mask for the people when he wasn't teaching them Torah , for only when they were learning Torah , could his face be open . So ends our Parsha . The Haftorah is in 1 Kings 18:1-39 , and is the story of how Eliyahu Ha Navi also does away with the baal idol worshippers and gets Israel to choose the side of HaShem .
Our Parsha as we know is Ki Tisa and deals with the half shekel census count . HaShem had us counted when we went to Mitzryim as 70 souls, then again when we left Mitzrayim and now again , for HaShem Has Told us not to count Jews directly , but only to count via an object like a coin , Dovid Ha Melech made this mistake and brought upon us a plague at the time . Negativity seeks to count and hurt Jews directly , and the more numbers we have , the more it seeks to destroy us , so HaShem Warns us not to count Jews directly .
The Half Shekel , shows us that we are to stand with other Jews , and that makes us whole . The words Ki Tisa/Sisa , is often taken as ' Elevate ,' as it is mentioned in the Gemorrah in Bava Basra 10b , for the word Census in Hebrew is actually 'Mifkad,' so HaShem Is here Hinting , that by coming together as one to serve HaShem , we are thus 'elevating' our souls to HaShem . HaShem in His Sweet Mercy , knew we would Anger Him with the Chait Ha Aigel , and so , Gave us a way to still elevate our souls through history and come to Him . HaShem's Mercy is Endless and So Is HaShem's Love . Also the love of Moshe for each and every one of us , continues through the ages and his pleading with HaShem for our lives then , still covers us today and beyond . Every moment we live , we have a choice :- Choose HaShem and Elevate ourselves for our own sake , as HaShem Wants us to as His Sweet Gift , or do wrong and lose Shamaim . The choice is ours and so is the destiny we lead ourselves to . But HaShem Loves us beyond ourselves and so , within the word " Ki Tisa/Sisa , " is the word " Teshuvah , " - " Return and Repent , " for HaShem's Door Is Always Open to Welcome us home . We can never go too far away from HaShem , For HaShem's Love Is Always Within us . So stand up every moment you breath , and " Ki Tisa ," - " Be Counted , " on HaShem's Side , and forever Elevate yourself to Shamaim to rest within the Loving Arms of HaShem .
With Love to HaShem , I wish HaShem with Love , a Very Sweet and Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with Love , and to all my fellow Yidden , a very Sweet and Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love .
Friday, 22 February 2019
Friday, 15 February 2019
Parashas Tetzaveh
This Shabbos our Parsha is Parashas Tetzaveh . In the previous Parsha, we discussed the Building of the Mishkan , and now, in this Parsha we continue with the ones who will oversee that Mishkan, the Kohen Gadol and Kohein Hedyot ( the ordinary Kohen ) , thus the linking " Ve " at the beginning of this Parsha .
First that is mentioned for the Instructions to the Kohanim in this Parsha , is the Instruction to light the Menorah . HaShem Commands that Aharon and his sons be brought before HaShem to minister before HaShem .
HaShem Instructs on the Bigdey Kohanim and Bigdey Kohein Gadol , the Garments of the Priest and Kohein Gadol High Priest .
Each Garment worn had a specific purpose and atoned for a specific Aveirah.
The Choshen Mishpat , the Breastplate of Judgement , had four rows of three stones in each, representing each of the twelve tribes of Israel . This Breastplate was worn at the front and people would come to the Kohen Gadol and ask a question which had to be of National Importance, and the Kohein Gadol would turn in the direction of the Holy Ark and HaShem Would Answer, via the letters on the Choshen which included the Names of the Tribes and Forefathers ) lighting up an answer . When the Tribe represented by a stone was in the wrong , automatically that stone would dim . Each stone represented the Tribes they were mounted for, giving that particular Tribe a certain ability or power . Within the two layers of the Choshen (folded over) was parchment with HaShem's Name on it , this part was called the Urim V'Tumim ,for HaShem Brings Light 'Ohr' and the Phyicality to 'Tam,' - 'Perfection,' to a point where the World becomes perfect and Infused With HaShem's Light .
Underneath , was the Ephod , with its two shoulder straps, onto which were to be put two Shocham Stones ( one on each ) , onto which was to be engraved each with the Names of six of the Tribes of Israel . A Me'il - Robe was to be made with 72 pomegranates and golden bells like the 72 letter Name of HaShem , so that when he walked, he could be heard as he went into the Holy Of Holies . The Robe , worked to atone for Sins of Immodesty .
A Turban wrap-around was to be organized for the Kohein Gadol, whose Turban was rounded at the edges, unlike the Kohein Hedyot , whose Turban was to wound round ending in a square shape.
HaShem Commanded that a Tzitz , a Head Plate was to fit on the Turban - " Mitznefes , " with the Words " Kodesh La HaShem ," - " Holy To HaShem ." This as well as the Mitznefes were to help atone for haughtiness and Loshon Horah .
The Kohanim were to also wear a Tunic - Ketones and an " Avneit - " Sash ," also to atone for haughtiness and arrogance.
Aharon and his sons were to be inauguratted and HaShem Instructed on the offerings and to Inaugurate the Mishkan . This was done for seven days .
Two sheep were to be given on the altar , one in the morning and the second in the afternoon .
Moshe was Instructed by HaShem To Have the " Mizbayach Ketores, " This Incense Altar , " on which Aharon was to burn Incense every morning . So ends the Parsha .
The Haftorah is from Yechezkel 43: 10 -27 and also refers to the Temple, the Third Temple in fact that will come at the End of Days , and the work of the Kohanim and the seven day inauguration .
This Parsha is called " Tetzaveh ," - " Command ."
Every Command HaShem Gives us , is for our own benefit . Within the word "Tetzaveh, " are the words " Tzavah ," which means to "Assemble ," and " Tzevah " - " Colour ," for HaShem Wants all of us Yidden to Assemble together as one people under our One and Only G-D HaShem and to Colour HaShem's World with His Beautiful Radiance and Light , by doing HaShem's " Tzivah " - " Commandments ".
It is so interesting that the first Commandment HaShem Gives for the Kohanim , is to " Take Pure Pressed Olive Oil for Illumination to Kindle the Lamps Continually . "
So the first Commandment to the Kohein Gadol Aharon , is to Kindle the Menorah . Aharon had worried that he was not Worthy . As we know , Aharon , Moshe's elder brother by three years was with humility quite prepared to accept HaShem's Wish and honor his brother Moshe as leader with full happiness and agreement . Such humility and love for his brother ,was an act of humility to HaShem , and HaShem ensured that he would be the one to keep this holy light lit , in the Mishkan .
Aharon , a man of peace and harmony was known for making peace between rivals and family members, bringing light to many a family by his actions of keeping the peace , so HaShem Also Put him in the position , as Kohen Gadol , to bring the people Forgiveness by HaShem , with the offerings they brought him , and thus make peace between HaShem and His Chosen Yidden . We note the only Pure Pressed Olive Oil was good enough for this . That meant that only the first drop of Olive Oil manually squeezed , could fulfill this Mitzvah . Not drops after that , that would not be as pure and may certainly have sediment . Such effort thus went into this special of Mitvahs. But why was an Olive chosen as the Oil used ? Olive oil is known not to mix with any other liquid or oil, but stays completely separate, just as HaShem Wants His Jewish people to stay clear of the pagan practices of others in the World , and to follow HaShem Only . Judaism is filled with Holiness , from the Holiness of the Mishkan and Aron Ha Kodesh , to the Holiness of The Bigdey Kehunah , the Priest's Garments . Just like the Pure Olive Oil , that keeps itself separate from other mixtures, so are our Kohanim to remain holy and pure .
HaShem Told us we are to be a Nation of Priests and a Holy People .This means Purity and Separation from that which is not right and not good and unholy . We are to shun foreign ways and beliefs . We are to remain pure . The ' Light ' that The Kohein Gadol would make by Kindling the Menorah ' continuously ' is like the Light that each one of us need to radiate from HaShem , to be His Beams of Light . This Light , like the Light of Torah , is , like the Menorah , which is to be eternal and continual , just like we must never stop studying Torah and keeping close to HaShem. And just as the outside lights leaned slightly toward the Middle light, so must we all always turn and lean toward HaShem and His Commandments .
We , like the Kohein , are to always wear spiritual garments of holiness , thus being the example of Holiness to teach others by example .It is not just a matter of talking holy . One must be physically and spiritually holy too . Just as we give HaShem that one first part of an Olive's Oil , so must we give our very best and first of everything to HaShem . To speak Holy is easy , but it takes work , to actually be holy . Let us all remember to remain pure and holy and keep away from foreign ideas that conflict with Torah . Let us remember to be holy within and without , like the Kohanim , and give HaShem our very best and first of every thing . Let us all keep HaShem's " Teztaveh , " - "Commandments " in Torah and Tanach and as the Tav letter at the beginning of this word shows the Command is to be kept into the future , may we always do and teach our children to do HaShem's Torah Mitzvos with love , into the future and bring on the End of Days with HaShem .
I wish HaShem with Special Love , a Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with Love and to all my fellow Yidden , a Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love .
First that is mentioned for the Instructions to the Kohanim in this Parsha , is the Instruction to light the Menorah . HaShem Commands that Aharon and his sons be brought before HaShem to minister before HaShem .
HaShem Instructs on the Bigdey Kohanim and Bigdey Kohein Gadol , the Garments of the Priest and Kohein Gadol High Priest .
Each Garment worn had a specific purpose and atoned for a specific Aveirah.
The Choshen Mishpat , the Breastplate of Judgement , had four rows of three stones in each, representing each of the twelve tribes of Israel . This Breastplate was worn at the front and people would come to the Kohen Gadol and ask a question which had to be of National Importance, and the Kohein Gadol would turn in the direction of the Holy Ark and HaShem Would Answer, via the letters on the Choshen which included the Names of the Tribes and Forefathers ) lighting up an answer . When the Tribe represented by a stone was in the wrong , automatically that stone would dim . Each stone represented the Tribes they were mounted for, giving that particular Tribe a certain ability or power . Within the two layers of the Choshen (folded over) was parchment with HaShem's Name on it , this part was called the Urim V'Tumim ,for HaShem Brings Light 'Ohr' and the Phyicality to 'Tam,' - 'Perfection,' to a point where the World becomes perfect and Infused With HaShem's Light .
Underneath , was the Ephod , with its two shoulder straps, onto which were to be put two Shocham Stones ( one on each ) , onto which was to be engraved each with the Names of six of the Tribes of Israel . A Me'il - Robe was to be made with 72 pomegranates and golden bells like the 72 letter Name of HaShem , so that when he walked, he could be heard as he went into the Holy Of Holies . The Robe , worked to atone for Sins of Immodesty .
A Turban wrap-around was to be organized for the Kohein Gadol, whose Turban was rounded at the edges, unlike the Kohein Hedyot , whose Turban was to wound round ending in a square shape.
HaShem Commanded that a Tzitz , a Head Plate was to fit on the Turban - " Mitznefes , " with the Words " Kodesh La HaShem ," - " Holy To HaShem ." This as well as the Mitznefes were to help atone for haughtiness and Loshon Horah .
The Kohanim were to also wear a Tunic - Ketones and an " Avneit - " Sash ," also to atone for haughtiness and arrogance.
Aharon and his sons were to be inauguratted and HaShem Instructed on the offerings and to Inaugurate the Mishkan . This was done for seven days .
Two sheep were to be given on the altar , one in the morning and the second in the afternoon .
Moshe was Instructed by HaShem To Have the " Mizbayach Ketores, " This Incense Altar , " on which Aharon was to burn Incense every morning . So ends the Parsha .
The Haftorah is from Yechezkel 43: 10 -27 and also refers to the Temple, the Third Temple in fact that will come at the End of Days , and the work of the Kohanim and the seven day inauguration .
This Parsha is called " Tetzaveh ," - " Command ."
Every Command HaShem Gives us , is for our own benefit . Within the word "Tetzaveh, " are the words " Tzavah ," which means to "Assemble ," and " Tzevah " - " Colour ," for HaShem Wants all of us Yidden to Assemble together as one people under our One and Only G-D HaShem and to Colour HaShem's World with His Beautiful Radiance and Light , by doing HaShem's " Tzivah " - " Commandments ".
It is so interesting that the first Commandment HaShem Gives for the Kohanim , is to " Take Pure Pressed Olive Oil for Illumination to Kindle the Lamps Continually . "
So the first Commandment to the Kohein Gadol Aharon , is to Kindle the Menorah . Aharon had worried that he was not Worthy . As we know , Aharon , Moshe's elder brother by three years was with humility quite prepared to accept HaShem's Wish and honor his brother Moshe as leader with full happiness and agreement . Such humility and love for his brother ,was an act of humility to HaShem , and HaShem ensured that he would be the one to keep this holy light lit , in the Mishkan .
Aharon , a man of peace and harmony was known for making peace between rivals and family members, bringing light to many a family by his actions of keeping the peace , so HaShem Also Put him in the position , as Kohen Gadol , to bring the people Forgiveness by HaShem , with the offerings they brought him , and thus make peace between HaShem and His Chosen Yidden . We note the only Pure Pressed Olive Oil was good enough for this . That meant that only the first drop of Olive Oil manually squeezed , could fulfill this Mitzvah . Not drops after that , that would not be as pure and may certainly have sediment . Such effort thus went into this special of Mitvahs. But why was an Olive chosen as the Oil used ? Olive oil is known not to mix with any other liquid or oil, but stays completely separate, just as HaShem Wants His Jewish people to stay clear of the pagan practices of others in the World , and to follow HaShem Only . Judaism is filled with Holiness , from the Holiness of the Mishkan and Aron Ha Kodesh , to the Holiness of The Bigdey Kehunah , the Priest's Garments . Just like the Pure Olive Oil , that keeps itself separate from other mixtures, so are our Kohanim to remain holy and pure .
HaShem Told us we are to be a Nation of Priests and a Holy People .This means Purity and Separation from that which is not right and not good and unholy . We are to shun foreign ways and beliefs . We are to remain pure . The ' Light ' that The Kohein Gadol would make by Kindling the Menorah ' continuously ' is like the Light that each one of us need to radiate from HaShem , to be His Beams of Light . This Light , like the Light of Torah , is , like the Menorah , which is to be eternal and continual , just like we must never stop studying Torah and keeping close to HaShem. And just as the outside lights leaned slightly toward the Middle light, so must we all always turn and lean toward HaShem and His Commandments .
We , like the Kohein , are to always wear spiritual garments of holiness , thus being the example of Holiness to teach others by example .It is not just a matter of talking holy . One must be physically and spiritually holy too . Just as we give HaShem that one first part of an Olive's Oil , so must we give our very best and first of everything to HaShem . To speak Holy is easy , but it takes work , to actually be holy . Let us all remember to remain pure and holy and keep away from foreign ideas that conflict with Torah . Let us remember to be holy within and without , like the Kohanim , and give HaShem our very best and first of every thing . Let us all keep HaShem's " Teztaveh , " - "Commandments " in Torah and Tanach and as the Tav letter at the beginning of this word shows the Command is to be kept into the future , may we always do and teach our children to do HaShem's Torah Mitzvos with love , into the future and bring on the End of Days with HaShem .
I wish HaShem with Special Love , a Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with Love and to all my fellow Yidden , a Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love .
Friday, 8 February 2019
Parashas Terumah
Our Parsha this Shabbos is Parashas Terumah.
HaShem Foresaw the action of the Chait Ha - Eigel ( Sin of the Golden Calf ) ,and understood our physical need , to experience His Shechinah , and so ,this was one of the reasons that HaShem Instructed that The Mishkan be built .
After the sin of the Golden Calf, the nations would say that HaShem doesn't want us Jews close to Him, and now, this Mishkan and Holy Ark, would prove to them, that HaShem Remains in the Midst of His People Israel .
HaShem Instructed Moshe in what and how to build all these Holy Beautiful Things and HaShem Endowed 13 year old Betzalel Ben Uri Ben Chur from the Tribe of Yehudah with His Intentions , who was given the deep meaning and understanding of all that was to be built , so he could know how and what to build , according to HaShem's Meaning and Intention , also with the help of Oholiav Ben Achisamach of the Tribe of Dan .
HaShem Instructs Moshe to Take a " Terumah, " - " Portion , " from every man whose heart motivates him and that it would be HaShem's Portion . All Things Belong to HaShem , not us . It is in the heart of man that HaShem Wants to Reside and it is the soul of us all , that HaShem Gives us to bring Physicality to HaShem's Will .
It is interesting how this donation was voluntary, for here each had the opportunity to gain total full Kavod for their giving . HaShem Did Not Command, but Made it Voluntary , for that shows an action of true love for HaShem . The people were to take gold,silver and copper , turquoise ,purple and scarlet wool and goat hair , red dyed ram skins and tachash (unicorn) skins , acacia wood , oil for illumination , spices for the anointment oil , aromatic incense and shoham stones and specific precious stones to be used for The Ephod and Breastplate . The donations and giving of K'lal Yisroel was so abundant that Moshe had to ask them to stop bringing . HaShem thus Commands ," V'Asu Li Mikdash V'Shachanti B'tocham ," - " They shall make a Sanctuary for Me ( HaShem ) - that I May Dwell among them . "
HaShem Instructs to Make the Aron ( Ark ) , of Acacia wood ( taken originally by Yaakov from home when he went down to Egypt in Yosef's time, and taken out by our people when we left Egypt, for Yaakov foresaw that this wood would be needed for the Mishkan . The Aron was to to be overlaid from outside and inside with gold, symbolizing how we must be the same in our heart as we are to others outside, thus being honest. The Aron was to be made of three wooden boxes, each one within the other one. Only the middle one was to remain as wood and no gold on it , reminding us that the Torah ,which was Given to us and the Ten Commandments that sat in the middle of the Aron, is as our Tanach Says, " A Tree of Life to those who grasps it . " Its dimensions add up to 6 cubits , where the 6 can refer to the 6 orders of the Mishnah :- Zeraim , Moed , Noshim , Nezikin , Kodashim and Tehoros, our Talmud and Mishna Sections of our Halachos ranging to our Oral Law within the Written Law, showing how HaShem Did Give us the Oral Law . The Aron , represented Torah , and it was here that the Tablets of The Ten Commandments sat. The staves , covered with gold, always remained within the Rings of the Aron, even when our people rested and didn't travel, to symbolize that we must always be attached to HaShem and Torah, even while at rest. A Kaporet - Cover was to be made for the Aron , of pure gold , with two carved our Keruvim - Cherubim - Angels, on top of the Cover , one with the face of a girl and the other with the face of a boy , with wings spread upward sheltering the Cover , facing each other . When K'lal Yisroel upset HaShem, the faces of the Keruvim would turn away from each other and when HaShem Would be happy with us, their faces turned toward each other .A Crown of gold was around the Aron, for HaShem is our true King . The Cover was on the Aron and it was between these two Keruvim , where HaShem's Shechinah Would Reside . This symbolized , HaShem's Realm, where the Aron was like the Kisay HaKavod, the Heavenly Throne of Glory surrounded by Malachim Angels .
HaShem Instructed that The Shulchan - The Table must be built , on which the Lechem Ha Panin - 12 Showbreads were to sit from Shabbos to the next Shabbos, remaining fresh the whole week . The Lechem Ha panim Breads were in the shape of a straight letter 'U' as if it had two faces - thus the name " Panim , " - ( Faces in the plural ) . The Shulchan represented Kingship and Royalty and through this, HaShem Brought extra Blessings upon the World at that time . Bread always had to be on it , as Torah is always to surround us. It was to be covered with Gold and a Crown of gold put around it, signifying Kingship .All utensils too were to be made .
HaShem Then Instructed that The Menorah be made of one hammered out piece of Gold , with all its knobs and cups. This Menorah reminds us of HaShem's Light and Blessing in this World . Just like The Aron and The Shulchan , HaShem Showed Moshe how it was to look, in a vision of fire, but Moshe could not envision how to build the Menorah , so HaShem Instructed the Gold to be given one Hammer Blow and it came out as a Menorah . It was to be built out of one piece of Gold , symbolizing that we are all to not separate ourselves from our Creator .It was to have 6 candle branches on either side of the middle stem one , again alluding to the 6 orders of the Mishnah and a central seventh stem , alluding to HaShem at our Centre .
HaShem then Instructed on the curtains, walls and cover around the Courtyard and Mishkan , which symbolized Heaven and Earth . HaShem then Commanded on the making of the Paroches - Partition separating from the Holy and Holy of Holies . Each Item had its place, also for symbolic reasons . A Masach - Screen was to be made for the entrance of the Tent.
HaShem Commanded the Mizbayach - Altar to be made on which Atonements would be done and all its vessels were to be made . It was to be made atop of copper meshwork and acacia wood which miraculously never burnt . Its length and width were two times 5 cubits , symbolic of the Two Tablets of Testimony of the Ten Commandments , on which were written 5 Commandments on each of the Two Tablets of stone . The Three Cubits height was symbolic of the Kohanim , Leviim and Yisroel and also of our three Patriarchs Avraham , Yitzchak and Yaakov . Within the letters of the word " Mizbayach , " is the deeper meaning of Its Purpose . The Mem can refer to ' Mechilah , ' - ' Forgiveness ' ; The Zayin can refer to ' Zechus , ' - ' Merit ' ; The Bet can refer to ' Brochas , ' - ' Blessings ' and the Chet can refer to ' Chaim , ' - ' Life ,' ( Midrash Says Shemos R. Moshe Weissman ) which is what we bring to ourselves by atoning and Being Forgiven by HaShem . The Mizbayach was hollow inside , to be filled with earth when we encamped , which can symbolize that we must be within ourselves open to fill ourselves with HaShem at all times .
HaShem Instructed about the Making of the Chatzeir Courtyard with its lace hangings . Inside, with the roof, in parts the Mishkan looked like the sky with stars twinkling in the night sky . So ends our Parsha
The Hafotrah of this Parsha is in 1 Kings 5:26-6:13 and also talks of the Construction of the Temple by Shlomo Ha Melech .
The word "Terumah ," means " Portion. " Usually " Portion " in Hebrew is ' Chelek. ' But " Terumah ," or its root ' Terem or Taram , ' refers to a complete voluntary choice to give that portion . This is the hint to returning to Gan Eiden . HaShem Instituted Free Choice into Creation , for this allows us to grow spiritually by us making the choice to do what is right . If we were robots who couldn't choose, then there would be nothing to gain or grow toward . The very fact that HaShem Gave us the Creation of Free Choice , is what allows us the opportunity for improvement and a way to better ourselves from the Yetzer Horah on our left , that tries to catch us . The Free Choice is what enables us to work toward HaShem's Closeness and is what will allow us to enter Gan Eiden . Thus , Negativity in this World that entices , also has its purpose , for if there was no bad to choose from , we couldn't choose to be and thus be Good . All things in Creation are for our benefit and when we Give to HaShem , by doing as He Asks , without Knowing the Why's, that is a Great Act of Love for HaShem - full Bitachon - Trust and Faith in HaShem .
HaShem Asks us here to construct a Sanctuary so that He Can Dwell Among us . The Depth of this statement by its Hebrew words , shows such a sweet thought of what HaShem Really also Wants, for HaShem Says, " V'Asu Li Mikdash V'Shachanti Betocham , " - " They shall make a Sanctuary for Me - so that I May Dwell among them ." This can also be read as ," Make yourself into a Mishkan , a Sanctuary , so that I ( HaShem ) May Dwell Within you . And this is the Reason for living . HaShem Wants us to make ourselves into a Mishkan , a Sanctuary , a Place of Holiness ( for the word "Mishkan," has within it , the word ' Kadosh ' which means Holy or Holiness ) . Thus HaShem Wants us to make ourselves into a Mishkan , a Sanctuary , a Holy Place , so that He May Dwell Within each one of us , and Be At One With us In Closeness . HaShem Made the Torah before Creation , and so , HaShem Made The Torah Also as the Pathway to Him and thus , HaShem Wants us to keep His Torah , which will make us into a Sanctuary , and so then HaShem Can Sweetly Dwell Within us . Each one of us can become a Terumah , A Portion of that Holiness if only we would follow His Torah strictly and thus make ourselves holy so HaShem Can Dwell with us . But this action of Giving has to come from us , from deep within ,for then it will be us who chose it , and a full act of love from us , for HaShem . The very fact that the word " V'Aasu, " is used shows that the action of " Making, " must come from us , for we are to be the ones who 'Make ' ourselves into a Holy Sanctuary , every day and every moment by working at it all the time . HaShem Could Do it Himself in an instant , but that will not be an aid to our growing in closeness with HaShem . We need to Work at it and make ourselves into who we are supposed to be in holiness, every day , working our way to HaShem and thus , inviting HaShem within us, to Dwell . The very fact that HaShem Used the word " Shachanti , " which has within it the word ' Shachein, ' - which means to ' Settle down, ' shows that HaShem Wants us to ' Settle Down ' within Him and within our souls and thus Wants us to be who we really are , feeling at home with where we really should be ,within ourseleves, and that is being back with HaShem , the true ' Settled Home , ' inviting HaShem Into ourselves , by Keeping His Torah Laws and so help make Him Feel Comfortable . Thus we are to make HaShem our Permanent Home .
The fact that HaShem Uses the word " B'tocham ," - " Among them , " shows that we must also all be at peace and at one with one another in Serving HaShem Only , and then , HaShem Can Dwell in each of us separately and within us all , collectively serving HaShem Only as The One Creation we all are , in our own respective ways that He Commands .
Thus every day , we are to work to make ourselves into a Sanctuary for HaShem , Welcoming Him Within us , each one of us , being a " Terumah ," - " A Portion " of His Given Holiness shining out into Creation ,- a Portion of the Whole , coming together in Gan Eiden within HaShem's Sweet Love . Let us all make HaShem Feel Welcome To Dwell Within us and among us again in Love as HaShem Wanted to do at the Beginning of Creation in Gan Eiden , and may we return to Gan Eiden and earn the Eternal Shabbos Close to HaShem in Love .
I wish HaShem With Love , a Very Sweet and Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with Love and to all my fellow Yidden, a very sweet and beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love .
HaShem Foresaw the action of the Chait Ha - Eigel ( Sin of the Golden Calf ) ,and understood our physical need , to experience His Shechinah , and so ,this was one of the reasons that HaShem Instructed that The Mishkan be built .
After the sin of the Golden Calf, the nations would say that HaShem doesn't want us Jews close to Him, and now, this Mishkan and Holy Ark, would prove to them, that HaShem Remains in the Midst of His People Israel .
HaShem Instructed Moshe in what and how to build all these Holy Beautiful Things and HaShem Endowed 13 year old Betzalel Ben Uri Ben Chur from the Tribe of Yehudah with His Intentions , who was given the deep meaning and understanding of all that was to be built , so he could know how and what to build , according to HaShem's Meaning and Intention , also with the help of Oholiav Ben Achisamach of the Tribe of Dan .
HaShem Instructs Moshe to Take a " Terumah, " - " Portion , " from every man whose heart motivates him and that it would be HaShem's Portion . All Things Belong to HaShem , not us . It is in the heart of man that HaShem Wants to Reside and it is the soul of us all , that HaShem Gives us to bring Physicality to HaShem's Will .
It is interesting how this donation was voluntary, for here each had the opportunity to gain total full Kavod for their giving . HaShem Did Not Command, but Made it Voluntary , for that shows an action of true love for HaShem . The people were to take gold,silver and copper , turquoise ,purple and scarlet wool and goat hair , red dyed ram skins and tachash (unicorn) skins , acacia wood , oil for illumination , spices for the anointment oil , aromatic incense and shoham stones and specific precious stones to be used for The Ephod and Breastplate . The donations and giving of K'lal Yisroel was so abundant that Moshe had to ask them to stop bringing . HaShem thus Commands ," V'Asu Li Mikdash V'Shachanti B'tocham ," - " They shall make a Sanctuary for Me ( HaShem ) - that I May Dwell among them . "
HaShem Instructs to Make the Aron ( Ark ) , of Acacia wood ( taken originally by Yaakov from home when he went down to Egypt in Yosef's time, and taken out by our people when we left Egypt, for Yaakov foresaw that this wood would be needed for the Mishkan . The Aron was to to be overlaid from outside and inside with gold, symbolizing how we must be the same in our heart as we are to others outside, thus being honest. The Aron was to be made of three wooden boxes, each one within the other one. Only the middle one was to remain as wood and no gold on it , reminding us that the Torah ,which was Given to us and the Ten Commandments that sat in the middle of the Aron, is as our Tanach Says, " A Tree of Life to those who grasps it . " Its dimensions add up to 6 cubits , where the 6 can refer to the 6 orders of the Mishnah :- Zeraim , Moed , Noshim , Nezikin , Kodashim and Tehoros, our Talmud and Mishna Sections of our Halachos ranging to our Oral Law within the Written Law, showing how HaShem Did Give us the Oral Law . The Aron , represented Torah , and it was here that the Tablets of The Ten Commandments sat. The staves , covered with gold, always remained within the Rings of the Aron, even when our people rested and didn't travel, to symbolize that we must always be attached to HaShem and Torah, even while at rest. A Kaporet - Cover was to be made for the Aron , of pure gold , with two carved our Keruvim - Cherubim - Angels, on top of the Cover , one with the face of a girl and the other with the face of a boy , with wings spread upward sheltering the Cover , facing each other . When K'lal Yisroel upset HaShem, the faces of the Keruvim would turn away from each other and when HaShem Would be happy with us, their faces turned toward each other .A Crown of gold was around the Aron, for HaShem is our true King . The Cover was on the Aron and it was between these two Keruvim , where HaShem's Shechinah Would Reside . This symbolized , HaShem's Realm, where the Aron was like the Kisay HaKavod, the Heavenly Throne of Glory surrounded by Malachim Angels .
HaShem Instructed that The Shulchan - The Table must be built , on which the Lechem Ha Panin - 12 Showbreads were to sit from Shabbos to the next Shabbos, remaining fresh the whole week . The Lechem Ha panim Breads were in the shape of a straight letter 'U' as if it had two faces - thus the name " Panim , " - ( Faces in the plural ) . The Shulchan represented Kingship and Royalty and through this, HaShem Brought extra Blessings upon the World at that time . Bread always had to be on it , as Torah is always to surround us. It was to be covered with Gold and a Crown of gold put around it, signifying Kingship .All utensils too were to be made .
HaShem Then Instructed that The Menorah be made of one hammered out piece of Gold , with all its knobs and cups. This Menorah reminds us of HaShem's Light and Blessing in this World . Just like The Aron and The Shulchan , HaShem Showed Moshe how it was to look, in a vision of fire, but Moshe could not envision how to build the Menorah , so HaShem Instructed the Gold to be given one Hammer Blow and it came out as a Menorah . It was to be built out of one piece of Gold , symbolizing that we are all to not separate ourselves from our Creator .It was to have 6 candle branches on either side of the middle stem one , again alluding to the 6 orders of the Mishnah and a central seventh stem , alluding to HaShem at our Centre .
HaShem then Instructed on the curtains, walls and cover around the Courtyard and Mishkan , which symbolized Heaven and Earth . HaShem then Commanded on the making of the Paroches - Partition separating from the Holy and Holy of Holies . Each Item had its place, also for symbolic reasons . A Masach - Screen was to be made for the entrance of the Tent.
HaShem Commanded the Mizbayach - Altar to be made on which Atonements would be done and all its vessels were to be made . It was to be made atop of copper meshwork and acacia wood which miraculously never burnt . Its length and width were two times 5 cubits , symbolic of the Two Tablets of Testimony of the Ten Commandments , on which were written 5 Commandments on each of the Two Tablets of stone . The Three Cubits height was symbolic of the Kohanim , Leviim and Yisroel and also of our three Patriarchs Avraham , Yitzchak and Yaakov . Within the letters of the word " Mizbayach , " is the deeper meaning of Its Purpose . The Mem can refer to ' Mechilah , ' - ' Forgiveness ' ; The Zayin can refer to ' Zechus , ' - ' Merit ' ; The Bet can refer to ' Brochas , ' - ' Blessings ' and the Chet can refer to ' Chaim , ' - ' Life ,' ( Midrash Says Shemos R. Moshe Weissman ) which is what we bring to ourselves by atoning and Being Forgiven by HaShem . The Mizbayach was hollow inside , to be filled with earth when we encamped , which can symbolize that we must be within ourselves open to fill ourselves with HaShem at all times .
HaShem Instructed about the Making of the Chatzeir Courtyard with its lace hangings . Inside, with the roof, in parts the Mishkan looked like the sky with stars twinkling in the night sky . So ends our Parsha
The Hafotrah of this Parsha is in 1 Kings 5:26-6:13 and also talks of the Construction of the Temple by Shlomo Ha Melech .
The word "Terumah ," means " Portion. " Usually " Portion " in Hebrew is ' Chelek. ' But " Terumah ," or its root ' Terem or Taram , ' refers to a complete voluntary choice to give that portion . This is the hint to returning to Gan Eiden . HaShem Instituted Free Choice into Creation , for this allows us to grow spiritually by us making the choice to do what is right . If we were robots who couldn't choose, then there would be nothing to gain or grow toward . The very fact that HaShem Gave us the Creation of Free Choice , is what allows us the opportunity for improvement and a way to better ourselves from the Yetzer Horah on our left , that tries to catch us . The Free Choice is what enables us to work toward HaShem's Closeness and is what will allow us to enter Gan Eiden . Thus , Negativity in this World that entices , also has its purpose , for if there was no bad to choose from , we couldn't choose to be and thus be Good . All things in Creation are for our benefit and when we Give to HaShem , by doing as He Asks , without Knowing the Why's, that is a Great Act of Love for HaShem - full Bitachon - Trust and Faith in HaShem .
HaShem Asks us here to construct a Sanctuary so that He Can Dwell Among us . The Depth of this statement by its Hebrew words , shows such a sweet thought of what HaShem Really also Wants, for HaShem Says, " V'Asu Li Mikdash V'Shachanti Betocham , " - " They shall make a Sanctuary for Me - so that I May Dwell among them ." This can also be read as ," Make yourself into a Mishkan , a Sanctuary , so that I ( HaShem ) May Dwell Within you . And this is the Reason for living . HaShem Wants us to make ourselves into a Mishkan , a Sanctuary , a Place of Holiness ( for the word "Mishkan," has within it , the word ' Kadosh ' which means Holy or Holiness ) . Thus HaShem Wants us to make ourselves into a Mishkan , a Sanctuary , a Holy Place , so that He May Dwell Within each one of us , and Be At One With us In Closeness . HaShem Made the Torah before Creation , and so , HaShem Made The Torah Also as the Pathway to Him and thus , HaShem Wants us to keep His Torah , which will make us into a Sanctuary , and so then HaShem Can Sweetly Dwell Within us . Each one of us can become a Terumah , A Portion of that Holiness if only we would follow His Torah strictly and thus make ourselves holy so HaShem Can Dwell with us . But this action of Giving has to come from us , from deep within ,for then it will be us who chose it , and a full act of love from us , for HaShem . The very fact that the word " V'Aasu, " is used shows that the action of " Making, " must come from us , for we are to be the ones who 'Make ' ourselves into a Holy Sanctuary , every day and every moment by working at it all the time . HaShem Could Do it Himself in an instant , but that will not be an aid to our growing in closeness with HaShem . We need to Work at it and make ourselves into who we are supposed to be in holiness, every day , working our way to HaShem and thus , inviting HaShem within us, to Dwell . The very fact that HaShem Used the word " Shachanti , " which has within it the word ' Shachein, ' - which means to ' Settle down, ' shows that HaShem Wants us to ' Settle Down ' within Him and within our souls and thus Wants us to be who we really are , feeling at home with where we really should be ,within ourseleves, and that is being back with HaShem , the true ' Settled Home , ' inviting HaShem Into ourselves , by Keeping His Torah Laws and so help make Him Feel Comfortable . Thus we are to make HaShem our Permanent Home .
The fact that HaShem Uses the word " B'tocham ," - " Among them , " shows that we must also all be at peace and at one with one another in Serving HaShem Only , and then , HaShem Can Dwell in each of us separately and within us all , collectively serving HaShem Only as The One Creation we all are , in our own respective ways that He Commands .
Thus every day , we are to work to make ourselves into a Sanctuary for HaShem , Welcoming Him Within us , each one of us , being a " Terumah ," - " A Portion " of His Given Holiness shining out into Creation ,- a Portion of the Whole , coming together in Gan Eiden within HaShem's Sweet Love . Let us all make HaShem Feel Welcome To Dwell Within us and among us again in Love as HaShem Wanted to do at the Beginning of Creation in Gan Eiden , and may we return to Gan Eiden and earn the Eternal Shabbos Close to HaShem in Love .
I wish HaShem With Love , a Very Sweet and Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with Love and to all my fellow Yidden, a very sweet and beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love .
Friday, 1 February 2019
Parashas Mishpatim
Our Parsha this Shabbos is Parashas Mishpatim .
Mishpatim are Ordinances - Laws. Our Rabbis of Blessed Memory have called these Laws , Civil Laws - Laws between people. Judaism, unlike anything else, doesn't separate between everyday living and religion . To HaShem and His Judaism, both are one. The way we conduct ourselves at every moment while in the company of others, whether at work or in any other setting, must be a fulfillment of HaShem's Laws and Ordinances. We , at all times represent HaShem and so, must be the physical example of Torah . Fulfilling HaShem's Moral and Civil Laws is the same as fulfilling any Law of the Torah for all Laws are Commandments from HaShem , and must be kept .
The Mishpatim, Ordinances govern how we act to our fellow Jew and to the World around us. At all times, we are keeping Torah, whether in a Shul, or going about our daily timetable . We are here to bring the Holiness of HaShem , into the mundane, the physical, the natural World around us.
With HaShem's Laws , in HaShem's Torah that were written down - Torah She' Bichtav, HaShem Gave us Oral Instructions, The Oral Torah Laws, Torah She' B' al Peh , for us to understand the intricacies of each Law . This was not given to the others,so that none may claim they are HaShem's Chosen .HaShem Made us a light to the nations , in full humility ,not to put us above others at all , but to teach others the true path to go in and it is the task of every Jew, to fulfill this role . A Jew who leaves Torah Yiddishkeit , and follows other religions that are false and untrue Chas Ve Shalom , does not fulfill their role as a Jew and sadly follows Avodah Zorah - Idol Worship.
There are numerous Mishpatim , a lot of the Ordinances mentioned in this Parsha .
This Parsha first mentions the Jewish bondsman, reminding us how we were bondsmen in Egypt .How a Jewish bondsman must work for six years and go free in the seventh year . A Jew who wants to stay in bondage, is taken to a door or doorpost and his ear , is bored through with an awl . The door is chosen as a reminder of the blood we put on our doorposts and lintel , before HaShem Took us out of Egypt when we heard HaShem's Miracles , when HaShem Freed us from Egypt- and so , for this reason , the door and ear are chosen , for HaShem Tells us that we are to only want to serve HaShem and are thus not to be slaves to a human master.
The Mishpatim then go into the Ordinances of the female daughter as a bondswoman .
HaShem Then Discusses Murder and Manslaughter as well as punishment for various serious offences . It was at this time that HaShem Showed Moshe an example of how He Runs the World, for Moshe was taken on top of a hill to watch an event play out and how we can't possibly understand the whole picture of life. HaShem Showed Moshe a man arriving at a water source and drop a wallet of money , and without realizing it , left. Then came a second man , who found the wallet and took it . A little while later, came a third man who just arrived as the second man was picking it up and accused him , killed him and took the wallet away . Moshe wondered at the meaning of all of this and realized only HaShem Could understand why this even had played out as it had. HaShem Told Moshe that the second man who had found the wallet and picked it up, had killed the third man's Father and so the two were brought together so that the murder could be avenged .The first man who had lost the wallet, was a thief who had stolen it from the third man . HaShem Only , Knows the Why of all things .
This Parsha then discusses the Mishpatim of Slaves either killed or hurt by their master, Laws of bodily injury and the decision of Judges. The famous Law, " An Eye for an Eye ," is written also in this Parsha, and refers to monetary compensation, where Talmud Bava Kamma 83a-83b explains how money is the meaning of what is judged here.
Then death by an animal is discussed,as well as an uncovered pit that injures, an animal damaging property and one who steals livestock, where HaShem is even merciful to the feelings of one who embarrasses himself to steal a sheep by carrying it away, or an ox, for the one who steals a sheep, embarrassing himself to carry it,only pays 4 sheep restitution, but 5 oxen are to be paid for an ox, he just led away.So much more so, must we be merciful to all around us .
The Laws of a thief are then discussed and restitution to one's neighbor when causing damage to one's neighbor's property . Laws in response to seducing a virgin are then discussed , and then HaShem Tells us not to let a sorceress , one who lies with an animal, or one who brings offerings to false deities , live .
HaShem Commands us not to taunt a Ger , a widow or an orphan .
HaShem Instructs us not to get interest from our fellow Jew for a loan, not in monetary terms or any other way, and to return his garment to him , given as security , every evening . We are instructed not to revile HaShem Chas Ve Shalom , and not to curse a leader of our people and not to delay offerings .
HaShem Then Gave Strict Mishpatim on the honesty and integrity of our Judges appointed to keep the Law and how we are to have honest witnesses , not to follow the majority for evil , not to pick sides of litigants and not to take bribes , where HaShem in Torah Says ," for the bribe will blind those who see and corrupt words that are just ."
Also HaShem Tells us that we are to return what we find of our fellow.
HaShem Reminds us of the Sabbatical Year and its Laws and Teaches on the Three Pilgrimage Festivals Pesach , Shavuos and Succos and the Law of Kashrus , of " Not Cooking a Kid in its Mothers Milk ," is mentioned. This sentence is mentioned three times in Torah, to remind us of the three injunctions, of Not mixing Milk and Meat, Not Cooking them together and not deriving any benefit from from doing so .
HaShem Foresees How He Will send His Angel Metatron ahead of us , at a later time and The Land of Isreal is Spoken of .
Moshe , Aharon and the Elders with some of Aharon's sons take their place on the Mountain and put the covenant before the Children of Israel and they responded miraculously as the Angels know , by saying the words, " Na' aseh Ve Nishma , " - " We will do and then we will listen," having full faith in agreeing to accept from HaShem , what we have not seen yet .
HaShem Called Moshe up to the Mountain ( as our Rabbis said, spiritually and not more than ten tefachim physically ) , while Yehoshuah waited patiently throughout the forty day and night period for beloved Moshe , who entered into the realm of Malachim .
As Moshe came up into the Clouds of the Shechinah, the Angels argued that The Torah should not be given to him for us , the Torah already waiting up in Shamaim . HaShem Commanded Moshe to ," Answer them . " Moshe reminded them of what was in the Torah , how we were saved from Egypt and Laws , only pertinent to us, and so , the Angels conceded and gave Moshe certain gifts of knowledge, where the Malach Ha Mavet taught Moshe how to stay a plague via the Ketores , Incense , which Moshe had to use at a later date to stay a plague .
Moshe came Before the Beauty of HaShem's Presence to receive for us the Holy Luchos , surrounded by HaShem and His Angels . So ends the Parsha. The Haftorah , is in Yirmiyahu - Jeremiah 34 : 8-22 , 33 : 25-26 , and refers to HaShem's Upset of how we didn't listen to the Laws of freeing slaves, spoken of in the Parsha Sedra for this Shabbos .
HaShem Tells us " Ve Eileh Ha Mishpatim Asher Tasim Lifneihem," which means " And these are The Ordinances that you shall place before them ." The word ' And ," shows the connection to what came before , of Har Sinai, showing that even these Mishpatim and the Oral Laws, were given at the same time as the written Law of Torah and both are one , given even at Har Sinai . Looking at the words. " Eileh Ha Mishpatim , " we can see within these words , the words ,' El Lah Ha Mishpatim ,' which means ' From HaShem to you The Ordinances . ' for HaShem Constantly Puts these Laws before us , forever before us to bring us to HaShem . Thus these are the Ordinances from HaShem , for us and our benefit , to bring us to HaShem . The Words " Asher Tasim Lifneihem , " shows us that it was HaShem Alone , from Whom these Ordinances came and that HaShem Puts them in our path before us always to follow and do . Thus HaShem , throughout our lives puts opportunities to uphold these Mishpatim Ordinances for our benefit . Before we are even born , HaShem Has Set a way for us to gain Kavod , and that way is His Torah Ordinances and Laws . Thus the Laws and Ordinances are not for HaShem's Benefit , but for ours, for us to rise higher and higher all the time . When a person doesn't keep a Law, that HaShem With Love Has Put in that person's path to keep , for their benefit , they are losing a most valuable opportunity to accomplish their mission and task and come closer to HaShem , and the spiritual bliss , we all seek , and to fulfill their life's purpose , task and mission . So many through the ages have looked for the place of spiritual bliss by trying to complete physical travels and missions. If people would only open their eyes and hearts to HaShem The Creator and His Ordinances and Laws, they would realize that the answer to their search has been here all along. The answer is HaShem our Creator and His Torah , HaShem' Guide and Path through life, to HaShem and Shamaim .
To keep the Mishpatim, we have to be a judge of ourselves , making sure we bring ourselves in line with HaShem . HaShem Tells us this , in the word Mishpatim , for within this word, is the word ' Shofet,' - ' Judge ' where we are to be a constant judge on our own behavior , ensuring we bring ourselves into line with HaShem . If not, we will be ' Judged ' - ' Shoftim ' accordingly . Keeping HaShem's Mishpatim , will lead us to Mashiach and the End of Days. The Gematrical value of HaMishpatim , is 5+40+300+80+9+10+40=484 and 4+8+4 = 16 and 1+6=7 , the same value as Mashiach .
How special it is that so many of our Sedras have a hint of Moshiach within them .
So , realize that only HaShem Knows all, and we must trust Him Always and let Him Lead us through this World by His Torah Ordinances and Laws , to the time of Mashiach and The End of Days, to bask in HaShem's Light and Love , realizing that all HaShem Does, is only for our benefit.
May HaShem Bring on The End Of Days in our Time .
I wish HaShem With Ever Endearing Love , a Sweet and ever so close Shabbos Kodesh with Love , and to all my fellow Yidden , a sweet and holy Shabbos Kodesh with love .
Mishpatim are Ordinances - Laws. Our Rabbis of Blessed Memory have called these Laws , Civil Laws - Laws between people. Judaism, unlike anything else, doesn't separate between everyday living and religion . To HaShem and His Judaism, both are one. The way we conduct ourselves at every moment while in the company of others, whether at work or in any other setting, must be a fulfillment of HaShem's Laws and Ordinances. We , at all times represent HaShem and so, must be the physical example of Torah . Fulfilling HaShem's Moral and Civil Laws is the same as fulfilling any Law of the Torah for all Laws are Commandments from HaShem , and must be kept .
The Mishpatim, Ordinances govern how we act to our fellow Jew and to the World around us. At all times, we are keeping Torah, whether in a Shul, or going about our daily timetable . We are here to bring the Holiness of HaShem , into the mundane, the physical, the natural World around us.
With HaShem's Laws , in HaShem's Torah that were written down - Torah She' Bichtav, HaShem Gave us Oral Instructions, The Oral Torah Laws, Torah She' B' al Peh , for us to understand the intricacies of each Law . This was not given to the others,so that none may claim they are HaShem's Chosen .HaShem Made us a light to the nations , in full humility ,not to put us above others at all , but to teach others the true path to go in and it is the task of every Jew, to fulfill this role . A Jew who leaves Torah Yiddishkeit , and follows other religions that are false and untrue Chas Ve Shalom , does not fulfill their role as a Jew and sadly follows Avodah Zorah - Idol Worship.
There are numerous Mishpatim , a lot of the Ordinances mentioned in this Parsha .
This Parsha first mentions the Jewish bondsman, reminding us how we were bondsmen in Egypt .How a Jewish bondsman must work for six years and go free in the seventh year . A Jew who wants to stay in bondage, is taken to a door or doorpost and his ear , is bored through with an awl . The door is chosen as a reminder of the blood we put on our doorposts and lintel , before HaShem Took us out of Egypt when we heard HaShem's Miracles , when HaShem Freed us from Egypt- and so , for this reason , the door and ear are chosen , for HaShem Tells us that we are to only want to serve HaShem and are thus not to be slaves to a human master.
The Mishpatim then go into the Ordinances of the female daughter as a bondswoman .
HaShem Then Discusses Murder and Manslaughter as well as punishment for various serious offences . It was at this time that HaShem Showed Moshe an example of how He Runs the World, for Moshe was taken on top of a hill to watch an event play out and how we can't possibly understand the whole picture of life. HaShem Showed Moshe a man arriving at a water source and drop a wallet of money , and without realizing it , left. Then came a second man , who found the wallet and took it . A little while later, came a third man who just arrived as the second man was picking it up and accused him , killed him and took the wallet away . Moshe wondered at the meaning of all of this and realized only HaShem Could understand why this even had played out as it had. HaShem Told Moshe that the second man who had found the wallet and picked it up, had killed the third man's Father and so the two were brought together so that the murder could be avenged .The first man who had lost the wallet, was a thief who had stolen it from the third man . HaShem Only , Knows the Why of all things .
This Parsha then discusses the Mishpatim of Slaves either killed or hurt by their master, Laws of bodily injury and the decision of Judges. The famous Law, " An Eye for an Eye ," is written also in this Parsha, and refers to monetary compensation, where Talmud Bava Kamma 83a-83b explains how money is the meaning of what is judged here.
Then death by an animal is discussed,as well as an uncovered pit that injures, an animal damaging property and one who steals livestock, where HaShem is even merciful to the feelings of one who embarrasses himself to steal a sheep by carrying it away, or an ox, for the one who steals a sheep, embarrassing himself to carry it,only pays 4 sheep restitution, but 5 oxen are to be paid for an ox, he just led away.So much more so, must we be merciful to all around us .
The Laws of a thief are then discussed and restitution to one's neighbor when causing damage to one's neighbor's property . Laws in response to seducing a virgin are then discussed , and then HaShem Tells us not to let a sorceress , one who lies with an animal, or one who brings offerings to false deities , live .
HaShem Commands us not to taunt a Ger , a widow or an orphan .
HaShem Instructs us not to get interest from our fellow Jew for a loan, not in monetary terms or any other way, and to return his garment to him , given as security , every evening . We are instructed not to revile HaShem Chas Ve Shalom , and not to curse a leader of our people and not to delay offerings .
HaShem Then Gave Strict Mishpatim on the honesty and integrity of our Judges appointed to keep the Law and how we are to have honest witnesses , not to follow the majority for evil , not to pick sides of litigants and not to take bribes , where HaShem in Torah Says ," for the bribe will blind those who see and corrupt words that are just ."
Also HaShem Tells us that we are to return what we find of our fellow.
HaShem Reminds us of the Sabbatical Year and its Laws and Teaches on the Three Pilgrimage Festivals Pesach , Shavuos and Succos and the Law of Kashrus , of " Not Cooking a Kid in its Mothers Milk ," is mentioned. This sentence is mentioned three times in Torah, to remind us of the three injunctions, of Not mixing Milk and Meat, Not Cooking them together and not deriving any benefit from from doing so .
HaShem Foresees How He Will send His Angel Metatron ahead of us , at a later time and The Land of Isreal is Spoken of .
Moshe , Aharon and the Elders with some of Aharon's sons take their place on the Mountain and put the covenant before the Children of Israel and they responded miraculously as the Angels know , by saying the words, " Na' aseh Ve Nishma , " - " We will do and then we will listen," having full faith in agreeing to accept from HaShem , what we have not seen yet .
HaShem Called Moshe up to the Mountain ( as our Rabbis said, spiritually and not more than ten tefachim physically ) , while Yehoshuah waited patiently throughout the forty day and night period for beloved Moshe , who entered into the realm of Malachim .
As Moshe came up into the Clouds of the Shechinah, the Angels argued that The Torah should not be given to him for us , the Torah already waiting up in Shamaim . HaShem Commanded Moshe to ," Answer them . " Moshe reminded them of what was in the Torah , how we were saved from Egypt and Laws , only pertinent to us, and so , the Angels conceded and gave Moshe certain gifts of knowledge, where the Malach Ha Mavet taught Moshe how to stay a plague via the Ketores , Incense , which Moshe had to use at a later date to stay a plague .
Moshe came Before the Beauty of HaShem's Presence to receive for us the Holy Luchos , surrounded by HaShem and His Angels . So ends the Parsha. The Haftorah , is in Yirmiyahu - Jeremiah 34 : 8-22 , 33 : 25-26 , and refers to HaShem's Upset of how we didn't listen to the Laws of freeing slaves, spoken of in the Parsha Sedra for this Shabbos .
HaShem Tells us " Ve Eileh Ha Mishpatim Asher Tasim Lifneihem," which means " And these are The Ordinances that you shall place before them ." The word ' And ," shows the connection to what came before , of Har Sinai, showing that even these Mishpatim and the Oral Laws, were given at the same time as the written Law of Torah and both are one , given even at Har Sinai . Looking at the words. " Eileh Ha Mishpatim , " we can see within these words , the words ,' El Lah Ha Mishpatim ,' which means ' From HaShem to you The Ordinances . ' for HaShem Constantly Puts these Laws before us , forever before us to bring us to HaShem . Thus these are the Ordinances from HaShem , for us and our benefit , to bring us to HaShem . The Words " Asher Tasim Lifneihem , " shows us that it was HaShem Alone , from Whom these Ordinances came and that HaShem Puts them in our path before us always to follow and do . Thus HaShem , throughout our lives puts opportunities to uphold these Mishpatim Ordinances for our benefit . Before we are even born , HaShem Has Set a way for us to gain Kavod , and that way is His Torah Ordinances and Laws . Thus the Laws and Ordinances are not for HaShem's Benefit , but for ours, for us to rise higher and higher all the time . When a person doesn't keep a Law, that HaShem With Love Has Put in that person's path to keep , for their benefit , they are losing a most valuable opportunity to accomplish their mission and task and come closer to HaShem , and the spiritual bliss , we all seek , and to fulfill their life's purpose , task and mission . So many through the ages have looked for the place of spiritual bliss by trying to complete physical travels and missions. If people would only open their eyes and hearts to HaShem The Creator and His Ordinances and Laws, they would realize that the answer to their search has been here all along. The answer is HaShem our Creator and His Torah , HaShem' Guide and Path through life, to HaShem and Shamaim .
To keep the Mishpatim, we have to be a judge of ourselves , making sure we bring ourselves in line with HaShem . HaShem Tells us this , in the word Mishpatim , for within this word, is the word ' Shofet,' - ' Judge ' where we are to be a constant judge on our own behavior , ensuring we bring ourselves into line with HaShem . If not, we will be ' Judged ' - ' Shoftim ' accordingly . Keeping HaShem's Mishpatim , will lead us to Mashiach and the End of Days. The Gematrical value of HaMishpatim , is 5+40+300+80+9+10+40=484 and 4+8+4 = 16 and 1+6=7 , the same value as Mashiach .
How special it is that so many of our Sedras have a hint of Moshiach within them .
So , realize that only HaShem Knows all, and we must trust Him Always and let Him Lead us through this World by His Torah Ordinances and Laws , to the time of Mashiach and The End of Days, to bask in HaShem's Light and Love , realizing that all HaShem Does, is only for our benefit.
May HaShem Bring on The End Of Days in our Time .
I wish HaShem With Ever Endearing Love , a Sweet and ever so close Shabbos Kodesh with Love , and to all my fellow Yidden , a sweet and holy Shabbos Kodesh with love .
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