Our Parsha this Shabbos is Parashas Vayikra , the name of the Third Book of the Torah . The Haftorah for this Sedra is Yeshayahu Isaiah 43:21 - 44:23 , which makes reference to the Offerings , which is the task of the Kohanim - The Priests , which fits with our Sedra of Vayikra - Leviticus , for This Third Book of the Torah deals largely , with the Commandments to the Kohanim . This Book was also referred to as The Book of the Priests Sefer Kohanim .
When HaShem Told Moshe to write this part of the Torah , of Vayikra , Moshe , the most humble of men , felt uncomfortable to write the word " Vayikra , " for he felt himself unworthy , as , later on in the Torah in Bamidbar Numbers 23 : 4 , Moshe knew that when HaShem would communicate with Bilaam , HaShem only wrote there , the word " Vayikar , " - " Happened Upon " and here in the Book of Vayikra , HaShem wrote out the full word " Vayikra , " Thus Paying Moshe much more respect then Bilaam , who was also to be a prophet of the nations . For Moshe , HaShem Actually Directlly Called Moshe , but in the case of Bilaam , where the word is written without an Alef - " Vayikar Elokim , " ( Bamidbar Numbers 23 : 4 ) , HaShem Just Happened By circumstance on Bilaam , thus showing Bilaam , That HaShem Would Not really Want to Speak to Bilaam , But Did So , due to necessity . So Moshe felt that he didn't deserve more honor than others and Bilaam , and so , Moshe told HaShem that he would prefer not to write out the full word . HaShem , Appreciating Moshe's utmost humility , Decided on a compromise . This compromise was , that Moshe would write the word " Vayikra , " but with the last letter Alef , made smaller so that it would look a bit like the word " Vayikar , " ( for a Torah Scroll is written without vowels ) , but the Alef must be there and the fact that it is a smaller letter in size compared to the other letters around it , would always show Moshe's humility and request . And this is the way the Alef letter appears in every single Torah , since it Was Given to Moshe . How beautiful is HaShem And His Love for us all , and how beautiful is Moshe and HaShem's Love For him .
The small Alef can also be viewed another way . The letter Alef , is the first letter in HaShem's Name ' Elokim ' and so , HaShem Making the letter Alef smaller ,can also show , how much and deep was HaShem's Love For beloved Moshe , that even HaShem Himself , was so taken by Moshe's humility , that HaShem Himself Felt Humbled with Moshe and so Wrote His Letter that heads His Name , smaller .
One can also view this in another way . The fact that the letter Alef was made smaller , makes the word " Vayikra , " appear to be almost two different words , the words , ' Vayikar Elokim ' which means , ' And he ( Moshe ) called on HaShem and happened on HaShem , ' by his humility . Such is the Tzaddik . When HaShem is Closely Connected with a Tzaddik , both HaShem and the Tzaddik , feel the subconscious connection with Each Other all the time , and by the Tzaddik's very Righteous Life , is totally and permanently connected with HaShem , Our Creator , and thus , in every action that the Tzaddik does , he is literally calling HaShem in closeness .
This is also what the Book of Vayikra is about . By the action of The " Korbanos " - " Offerings " , the Levite is doing his duty of bringing HaShem Closer to us . The word " Vayikra " has within it the word ' Karov ' which means ' To come close ' and this is exactly what HaShem Wants , and what happens , when we make right with HaShem .
When we make an Aveirah , Chas Ve Shalom , we make distance between HaShem and us , almost as a child might do , if they are constantly recalcitrant and troublesome and disobedient to their parents . The action of the " Korbanos " - " Offerings " , which is also a word within the word " Vayikra , " thus is an Offering to bring close our remorse , and thus ' Karov ' - " Come close again to HaShem .
The very act of HaShem Calling us , is surely HaShem's Deep Desire , to return us to the satus quo , that was at the beginning , when HaShem Made Ten Pronouncements In Creating Creation , that was , according To HaShem's Wish , to go into The Eternal Shabbos , had the Averiah of Adam Ve Chava never happened . HaShem's Deep Desire , Is for us to continue from that point just after He Created Creation , and so , enter into Eternity in Gan Eiden . This is HaShem's Wish , When He Calls us to Listen to Him . To Return us to the continuation of those Ten Pronouncements , that would then have led into the Eternal Shabbos . This Deep Desire Of HaShem , can even be seen in the very fact , that HaShem Wrote the word " Vayikra , " with a small Alef , to make it appear to be the word ' Vayikar , " which has a Gematrical value of 316 and if we add those three numbers together , we get 10 , the Ten Pronouncements By HaShem Through Which He Created Ceeation . With the Alef added to this concept , it is HaShem , Represented By the Alef , That Has The Sweet and Deep Desire , To Return To the track we were on , at the beginning , after Creation , when we were headed into the Eternal Shabbos in Shamaim .
So in this Book of Vayikra , HaShem Teaches about the different Korbanos that are to be brought , and they are not all for the sake of Aveirahs , for some of them can be Olah Offerings - Elevation Offerings as a means to elevate ourselves ; Mincha Meal Offerings , usually of finely ground flower , oil and frankincense , a voluntary offering , with all its different types for different reasons ; the Shlamim - Peace Offering , by those wishing to express their deep love for HaShem , a voluntary offering , and the Chatas Sin Offering , to be brought for a Sin . Torah Teaches that no Chatas Offering may be brought for an intentional sin . Torah then mentions the Asham Offering - The Guilt Offering , for an Aveirah that may possibly but not assuredly have been committed and the person , not being totally sure that the Aveirah was committed , brings a Guilt Offering in the meantime , among other reasons for this Korban .
HaShem in this Parsha of Torah reminds us also of the Covenant He Made With the lower waters . This Covenant was made at Creation , when HaShem Split the lower waters and the upper ones , and the lower waters , felt that they would not be as close to HaShem as the upper ones , and felt also , that they would never have the opportunity to rise on level to the upper realms and come close to HaShem , thus wanting to come closer to HaShem , but they felt they would have to remain lower . It was then that the lower waters , tried to overflow and rise up above their position and when HaShem Had To Create a barrier for the sea , so that it would not be able to overcome the Land . It was then that HaShem Put a barrier for the Sea . HaShem Appreciated their wish to be closer to Him And So , Made a Covenant With the lower waters , that the Salt within them , need be put on every meal offering , so that a part of the lower waters ( which contains salt ) , would be able to also climb to HaShem . We also used to , on the Festival of Succos do the Drawing of the Water Ceremony for the duration of Succos ,' Brith Beit Ha Shoevah ' where water would be poured on the Altar and great celebrations would take place . Thus does HaShem's Torah Write in Vayikra Leviticus 2 : 13 , that we are to salt every meal-offering with salt and not discontinue the salt of G-D's Covenant ( that HaShem Made at Creation ) , thus offering " Melach " - " Salt " on our every offering . We continue this today , when we dip our Hamotzi Rolls into Salt , on every Shabbos , keeping HaShem's Covenant That HaShem Made , With the lower waters , at the beginning of Creation . The word for " Salt " is " Melach , " which has the same root letters as the word " Malach " - " Angel , " and the word " Melech " - " King , " for HaShem Is King and His Angels Serve Him without question , and so should we all acknowledge HaShem As The One and Only True Creator And King of Creation and so should we always obey HaShem Without question , as HaShem's Malachim Angels obey HaShem without question , and so should we honor HaShem , The King of kings and keep the Covenant that HaShem Made , With the lower waters , and so , use " Melach " - " Salt " on every offering we offer to HaShem . No wonder when we truly repent with tears , begging for atonement , the tears come with salt . True repentance is HaShem's Way and no other .
So when we have our Seudahs , our Table is like the Altar and on it , we must have Salt .
HaShem " Karah " - " Calls us all the time . Even the word " Kara , " here is preceded by a ' Yud ' - also a letter of HaShem's Name and in tense form , the ' Yud , ' has the word " Vayikrah " refer to that " And HaShem Called or Calls , " for it is HaShem , every second of Creation , Who Is Constantly Calling Out To us . In the previous Sedra , The Tabernacle was completed , and now HaShem Calls Out To us . The fact that the Tabernacle had to be completed first with all its construction and only then could the Kohanim serve and HaShem Call , shows us , that we all need to prepare ourselves and get ourselves ready , through effort and obedience to HaShem , and then HaShem Will Call Out To us . But first we need to prepare . This stage we are in since Creation , is the preparation stage . We notice that as each day goes by , we are coming closer to a head , in Creation and so , this is the time that we need to do our best to prepare ourselves for HaShem to " Vayikra " - " Call " To us . HaShem Is Already Calling To us . HaShem Has Been Calling To us Since The Beginning . We just don't listen . The Words and Voice of HaShem That Went Out To us on Har Sinai , Is Still Going Through the centuries , with no echo , for nothing can possibly contain or halt HaShem's Powerful Voice ( thus there is no echo in HaShem's Voice ) . All we need to do is listen for It . HaShem's Voice Has Been Traveling Ever Since then And Will Continue Eternally . We just need to listen and obey and allow HaShem's ' Karov ' - ' Closeness ' in .
Now , things are getting closer to the End of Days , and so , we really need to take stock of our lives and what we have become , and work to better ourselves through this period , that is trying each and every one of us . This time is not for nothing . This time is an opportnuniy to grow and better ourselves . Let us not waste it . Let us give up on false beliefs . Let us follow Torah True . Let us stop Loshoning each other and hurting each other . Let us all become more pure and holy and respect HaShem's Torah Laws of Purity . Let us all respect and honor HaShem and His Holy Torah . Let us all follow HaShem Only and rid ourselves of ways forbidden by HaShem . Let us put our own needs aside , and put HaShem First . Let us all use the breath that HaShem Gives us for Life , for holy purposes , that Serve HaShem Only . Let us all let HaShem Radiate from within us all , making this World and all of Creation , a Place Where HaShem Can Dwell Among us in ' Karov ' - ' Closeness . ' Let us All call out to HaShem And HaShem Will " Vayikra " - " Call " Out To us In Ever Deepest Love . Let us all be , As HaShem Wants us all to be and as HaShem Wants HaShem's Creation to be . Let us all " Vayikra " - " Call out " to HaShem with sweet love and then HaShem Will " Vayikra , " Call out to us to come close to Him and spend Eternity with HaShem In Gan Eiden Shamaim , with HaShem's Love .
I wish HaShem With Deepest Love , a Deeply Close Shabbos Kodesh With Eternal Love , and to all of my fellow Jews and all of Creation , a Very Deeply Holy Shabbos Kodesh with love .
Friday, 27 March 2020
Friday, 20 March 2020
Parashas Vayakhel - Pekudei
Our Parsha this Shabbos has a Double Portion Parashas Vayakhel and Parashas Pekudei that takes us to the end of The Book of Shemos Exodus , the Second Book of the Torah . Being that this Shabbos comes before Rosh Chodesh Nissan , It Is Also Parashas HaChodesh , the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh Nissan ( the day the Tabernacle in the Wilderness , was Inaugurated , after the seven prior days of It's setting up and taking down , by Moshe ) and we look forward to the coming of Pesach in Nissan and the Maftir and Haftorah is for that day ( Artscroll Stone Edition Chumash ) .
In our last Parsha , we ended the Sedra , describing Moshe's Radiant face and in Parashas Vayakhel which means " Assembled , " Moshe " Assembles the Entire Assembly of the Children of Israel , " to tell them the specific things that HaShem Commanded , starting with the Laws of the Shabbos .
Torah then Speaks of the Contributioins to be given . Moshe relates that HaShem Said That the people must bring " Kol Nediv Libo , " - " Everyone whose heart motivates him " and further on Torah Says " Asher N'sa'o Libo , " - " whose heart inspired him , " so this giving had to be from us , from our heart , not as a force , but as an action of love and total giving . This is how we are to do all HaShem's Mitzvos , with an act of Love , not obligation . This sweetens the action of the Mitzvah we do , and the holy action we do , rises to Shamaim , and longs closeness with HaShem's Holy Crown , Which HaShem Keeps and for every heart - felt Mitzvah we do with and in a loving way , HaShem. Engraves this on this particular Spiritual Crown . Torah Continues with how the people came for the Avodas HaShem , to make all that had to be made , under Betzalel and Oholiav . All that was made and given , could not have Made Such a beautiful Holy Tabernacle , unless , HaShem Gave Toward the Work too , for when the people started to Work , in total heart - giving earnest , HaShem Assisted and the Work Was Done . Just as HaShem Will Do With us , when we put our heart and soul into doing HaShem's Mitzvos and Avodas HaShem ( The Work of HaShem ) , HaShem Will Assist us . Just as HaShem Commanded that the Tabernacle and the work be done , so it was . So was , in Parashas Pekudei , the Vestments of Aharon and the Kohanim , done according to HaShem's Commandments and Wants . In fact , the people brought over much and Moshe had to stop them from bringing .
When all was made , which took about three months ( a total Miracle , for what was needed to be done , so HaShem Really Did Assist , and once it was all finished , it was all brought to Moshe to inspect . And Moshe was content that all was done according to HaShem's Wish . The Work was completed in Kislev , but as the Midrash tells us , HaShem waited till Rosh Chodesh Nissan to have it erected , which according to Tanchuma , was when Yitzchak was born in the month of Nissan , thus all we are to do , is tied to our holy Patriarchs . The Month of Kislev was thus missed out , and so , HaShem Granted in to and in the month of Kislev , another Festival , the Festival of Chanukah and its Miracle , from HaShem . The Tabernacle was actually erected and dismantled every day by Moshe for a week , before the First of Nissan , and only finally , on the First of Nissan , was The Tabernacle put up permanently and Inaugurated . Moshe Served as Kohein Gadol for that week and after the Inauguration of the Tabernacle and Aharon as Kohein Gadol , and his sons being inaugurated for service as Kohanim ,
Did The Cloud Cover the Tent of Meeting. And HaShem's Glory Fill the Tabernacle . When The Cloud would lift , we would journey and when it remained on the Tabernacle , we would not journey . The Cloud of HaShem Would Be On The Tabernacle by day and The Fire would be on It by night , throughout all our journeys in the Wilderness . So ends The Second Book of The Torah , the Book of Shemos Exodus .
Parahsas Vayakhel starts by HaShem Having Moshe Teach about the Shabbos ,
HaShem , In six days Made All Things . HaShem Made the Heavens and the Earth in Six Days , Making , in those six days , All that Was , Is and Will Be , right up until the End Of Days , and on the Seventh Day Shabbos , HaShem Rested and so must we Rest on Shabbos . In Six Days , HaShem Allows work to be done and so , even if that work is not completed by the Seventh Day , we must still stop and Keep Shabbos for HaShem . HaShem Gives us six other days to do labor and other things permitted by Torah , so we can at least , give HaShem one day . In the Wilderness , people used to study Torah every day . The Torah Came up to HaShem , and said that when we arrive in Eretz Yisrael , we will not study Torah or as much of it as before , because we will busy ourselves with labor in the Land . So HaShem Said To The Torah , that It should not worry , for HaShem Instructs us that we are to do our labor for six days , and that Seventh Day Shabbos , we are to spend with the Torah Studying It . Though we must study Torah every day . Every other Day , has a partner day , where Yom Rishon , has Yom Sheini and Yom Shelishi has Yom Revi'i and Yom Chamishi has Yom Shishi , but Shabbos came to HaShem and said that It has no partner . HaShem Responded , that The Jewish People will Rest on It and they will be Shabbos Day's partner . So we Jews must Rest on Shabbos and give ourselves to HaShem and Shabbos , on Shabbos . The words in this Parsha , " Shabbat Shabbaton , " - " A Shabbos of Complete Rest Shabbos , " is here ( the Word Shabbat ) repeated ( ' Shabbat ' ' Shabbat 'on ' ) , for we must not just rest for oursleves or for our own definitions of rest , but it must be a " Complete Rest , " a rest according to What HaShem Deems as Rest . Also like the Hebrew Word ' Shalom , ' which also means ' Completeness as well as Peace , ' so must Shabbos be a Day of Total Completeness and Peace , with and close to HaShem , stopping all ( the 39 Melachos ) that physically would prevent that . On Shabbos , we get an extra Shabbos soul , that leaves at the end of every Shabbos , a Spiritual Connection Close to HaShem . Before Shabbos , we welcome the Shabbos Bride with the singing of a song written by the Kabbalist Rabbi Shlomo Ha Levi Alkabetz ( Artscroll Siddur ) - ' Lecha Dodi Likras Kallah , P'nei Shabbas N'kabalah ' - ' Come ( also us Jews ) my Beloved ( HaShem ) , To Greet the Bride ( Shabbos ) , The Sabbath prescence , let us welcome , '.for we Jews , are the partner to the Shabbos . In days of old , some of our people used to go out onto the road and welcome in the Essence of Shabbos . So long have we heard the true statement , that it is not just that we Jews keep the Shabbos , but that Shabbos has kept us through the centuries , remaining , in its full obedience , the Holy Parts That HaShem Has Given us , in keeping us truly Torah Jewish , in its full observance . It is The Day , to leave all behind in the physical World , and spend quality time with HaShem . In this Commandment of Keeping the Seventh Day Holy , is also included , Working for HaShem the other Six Days , to culminate in Shabbos . The Levites of old , would count every day of the week toward Shabbos , for every day , is linked to Shabbos and so , do we do likewise , every time we say the Psalm of the day , starting it with ' This is .... Day of the Shabbos . If All The Jews would just keep two Shabboses in a row , Mashiach would come . Keeping Shabbos , is so vital , to Creation and The Holy Shabbos , HaShem Wants all Jews to Keep , as we all Assured HaShem that we would , on Har Sinai , as well as all the other Commandments of HaShem and His Torah . Shabbos is Forever and so is It's Observance for all times , for Shabbos is above time and so must It's Observance Instructed From HaShem be always kept from generation to generation - past , present in modern times and into the future , just as HaShem Instructed To Moshe , with all It's 39 Melachos Forbidden Labors , all its Tennets .
Just as HaShem Gave His Fire Light In Creating Creation , and Rested on Shabbos , so must we not Kindle on Shabbos . The matter of not kindling fire is specifically mentioned , even though it is part of the 39 Melachos Forbidden Labors of Shabbos . There are 39 Melachos Forbidden Labors on Shabbos ( the same 39 Labors in Constructing the Tabernacle and all that HaShem Had Instructed to have built then , and so we gleaned these 39 Forbidden Labors for Shabbos , due to the Fact that both Shabbos and the Construction of the Tabernacle are written along-side each other in The Torah . So this particular forbidden labor was specifically mentioned , for this specific labor of kindling a fire , is within the energy of all actions that make up our physical workings when performing labor , for all we do , is by the Life Soul HaShem Gives us , His Kindling Fire , and so , on Shabbos , we must not use the Soul HaShem Gives us , for anything that HaShem Forbids us on This Holy Day ( and in fact , every day ) .
The Second Parsha , part of the Double Parsha that we read this Shabbos is Parashas Pekudei , which speaks of the " Reckonings" - " Pekudei , " refers to the accounting of what was made at that time , to the specific way , order and amount That HaShem Instructed . This too can relate to the Shabbos , for it is a day of our accounting of obedience to HaShem , where , we reckon and account our soul , to make it holier and so climb holy levels on the Shabbos . The very articles that were " Pekudei " - " Reckoned " in Parashas Pekudei , in their accounting of being part of all the Holy Things HaShem Instructed , became Holy , in the ' Reckoning , " for in their " Reckoning and Accounting ," they were Inaugurated to their Holy Service . The Same is with the Torah we take out on Shabbos . The same is with the Mezuzah we have on our door-posts . The same is with the Tefillin we wear for Shacharis . The Same is with the Tallis , we wear in Davening . The same is with the Siddurim and Machzorim we Daven with . The same is with the Holy Seforim we learn from . The same is with every Holy Article that we use , for in using it , we instill that Holy Article with Kedushah From HaShem .The same is with us , when we do HaShem's Mitzvos . And the same is when we " Vayakhel " - " Assemble " together as a nation for Daveing to , and serving HaShem . Especially on the Holy Shabbos . For when we " Vayakhel " - " Assemble , " as the Parsha Says , " Es Kol Adas B'nei Yisrael , " - " The Entire Assembly of the Children of Israel , " we open up the Heavens , To Give us HaShem's Light and are " Pekudei " - " Reckoned " among our fellow Jews , with holiness . For when we Jews " Vayakhel " - " Assemble " together , we can bring Moshiach and end our Galus and all the pain that comes with it . Within the word " Vayakhel. , " is Moshiach , for its Gematriah is 6 + 10 + 100 + 5 + 30 = 151 and 1+5+1 = 7 , the Gematriah of Mashiach . The " Vayakhel " - " Assembly " " Kol Adas " Togetherness " of Jews , brings Mashiach , which is The Time , that will end all the pain and suffering and Mageifim - Plagues and Diseases and Sicknesses , and will bring us back to the path we were headed on , at the Beginning , when HaShem Made Creation and that First Shabbos Seventh Day was going to be Eternal and Forever , if only Chavah and Adam would have obeyed HaShem . So " Vayakhel Eis Kol Adas B'nei Yisrael " - " Assmbling the Entire Assembly of the Children of Israel , " will bring on the End of Days Olam Habah , and so , Shabbos will be Eternal and within the Ever Loving Closeness Of HaShem . And thus , will " Bereishis " - " In The Beginning " - " Creation , " reach its Final stage and enter into the Eternal Shabbos . For within the word " Pekudei " - " Reckoning , " is the Start of Creation - The Beginning , " for the Gematriah of the word " Pekudei , " is 80 + 100 + 6 + 4 + 10 = 200 which is also the Gematrical value of the Hebrew Letter ' Reish ' and if we say the letter as it is spelt as ' Reish , ' then the Hebrew Word ' Reishah , ' means ' Beginning , ' where the ' Ah ' sound at the end of it represents ' Elokim ' - ' HaShem ' and thus shows that the ' Reish- ah ' is that Hebrew Letter Reish with HaShem and so , suggests , ' The Beginning ( of Creation ) With HaShem . ' Also the letter Reish as it looks as a letter , appears to come down from the Higher Planes , down to us , and so , with " Vayakhel " - " Assembling " and " Pekudei " - taking a final " Reckoning , " we can bring Creation , to it's Final Intention , and enter into the Eternal Shabbos , " with HaShem Ha Kadosh Baruch Hu , HaShem , The Holy One Blessed Be He .
I wish HaShem With Sweetest Love , A Very Sweet And Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh With Deepest Love , and to all my fellow Jews and to all of Creation , A Very Beautiful , And Healing By HaShem , Sweet Shabbos Kodesh with love . May HaShem Heal Our World and those in it . May HaShem Bring On , The End Of Days Olam HaBah Bekarov in our Days . Blessed Shabbos Kodesh To HaShem With Love and Blessed Shabbos Kodesh to all my fellow Jews and all of Creation , With Love .
In our last Parsha , we ended the Sedra , describing Moshe's Radiant face and in Parashas Vayakhel which means " Assembled , " Moshe " Assembles the Entire Assembly of the Children of Israel , " to tell them the specific things that HaShem Commanded , starting with the Laws of the Shabbos .
Torah then Speaks of the Contributioins to be given . Moshe relates that HaShem Said That the people must bring " Kol Nediv Libo , " - " Everyone whose heart motivates him " and further on Torah Says " Asher N'sa'o Libo , " - " whose heart inspired him , " so this giving had to be from us , from our heart , not as a force , but as an action of love and total giving . This is how we are to do all HaShem's Mitzvos , with an act of Love , not obligation . This sweetens the action of the Mitzvah we do , and the holy action we do , rises to Shamaim , and longs closeness with HaShem's Holy Crown , Which HaShem Keeps and for every heart - felt Mitzvah we do with and in a loving way , HaShem. Engraves this on this particular Spiritual Crown . Torah Continues with how the people came for the Avodas HaShem , to make all that had to be made , under Betzalel and Oholiav . All that was made and given , could not have Made Such a beautiful Holy Tabernacle , unless , HaShem Gave Toward the Work too , for when the people started to Work , in total heart - giving earnest , HaShem Assisted and the Work Was Done . Just as HaShem Will Do With us , when we put our heart and soul into doing HaShem's Mitzvos and Avodas HaShem ( The Work of HaShem ) , HaShem Will Assist us . Just as HaShem Commanded that the Tabernacle and the work be done , so it was . So was , in Parashas Pekudei , the Vestments of Aharon and the Kohanim , done according to HaShem's Commandments and Wants . In fact , the people brought over much and Moshe had to stop them from bringing .
When all was made , which took about three months ( a total Miracle , for what was needed to be done , so HaShem Really Did Assist , and once it was all finished , it was all brought to Moshe to inspect . And Moshe was content that all was done according to HaShem's Wish . The Work was completed in Kislev , but as the Midrash tells us , HaShem waited till Rosh Chodesh Nissan to have it erected , which according to Tanchuma , was when Yitzchak was born in the month of Nissan , thus all we are to do , is tied to our holy Patriarchs . The Month of Kislev was thus missed out , and so , HaShem Granted in to and in the month of Kislev , another Festival , the Festival of Chanukah and its Miracle , from HaShem . The Tabernacle was actually erected and dismantled every day by Moshe for a week , before the First of Nissan , and only finally , on the First of Nissan , was The Tabernacle put up permanently and Inaugurated . Moshe Served as Kohein Gadol for that week and after the Inauguration of the Tabernacle and Aharon as Kohein Gadol , and his sons being inaugurated for service as Kohanim ,
Did The Cloud Cover the Tent of Meeting. And HaShem's Glory Fill the Tabernacle . When The Cloud would lift , we would journey and when it remained on the Tabernacle , we would not journey . The Cloud of HaShem Would Be On The Tabernacle by day and The Fire would be on It by night , throughout all our journeys in the Wilderness . So ends The Second Book of The Torah , the Book of Shemos Exodus .
Parahsas Vayakhel starts by HaShem Having Moshe Teach about the Shabbos ,
HaShem , In six days Made All Things . HaShem Made the Heavens and the Earth in Six Days , Making , in those six days , All that Was , Is and Will Be , right up until the End Of Days , and on the Seventh Day Shabbos , HaShem Rested and so must we Rest on Shabbos . In Six Days , HaShem Allows work to be done and so , even if that work is not completed by the Seventh Day , we must still stop and Keep Shabbos for HaShem . HaShem Gives us six other days to do labor and other things permitted by Torah , so we can at least , give HaShem one day . In the Wilderness , people used to study Torah every day . The Torah Came up to HaShem , and said that when we arrive in Eretz Yisrael , we will not study Torah or as much of it as before , because we will busy ourselves with labor in the Land . So HaShem Said To The Torah , that It should not worry , for HaShem Instructs us that we are to do our labor for six days , and that Seventh Day Shabbos , we are to spend with the Torah Studying It . Though we must study Torah every day . Every other Day , has a partner day , where Yom Rishon , has Yom Sheini and Yom Shelishi has Yom Revi'i and Yom Chamishi has Yom Shishi , but Shabbos came to HaShem and said that It has no partner . HaShem Responded , that The Jewish People will Rest on It and they will be Shabbos Day's partner . So we Jews must Rest on Shabbos and give ourselves to HaShem and Shabbos , on Shabbos . The words in this Parsha , " Shabbat Shabbaton , " - " A Shabbos of Complete Rest Shabbos , " is here ( the Word Shabbat ) repeated ( ' Shabbat ' ' Shabbat 'on ' ) , for we must not just rest for oursleves or for our own definitions of rest , but it must be a " Complete Rest , " a rest according to What HaShem Deems as Rest . Also like the Hebrew Word ' Shalom , ' which also means ' Completeness as well as Peace , ' so must Shabbos be a Day of Total Completeness and Peace , with and close to HaShem , stopping all ( the 39 Melachos ) that physically would prevent that . On Shabbos , we get an extra Shabbos soul , that leaves at the end of every Shabbos , a Spiritual Connection Close to HaShem . Before Shabbos , we welcome the Shabbos Bride with the singing of a song written by the Kabbalist Rabbi Shlomo Ha Levi Alkabetz ( Artscroll Siddur ) - ' Lecha Dodi Likras Kallah , P'nei Shabbas N'kabalah ' - ' Come ( also us Jews ) my Beloved ( HaShem ) , To Greet the Bride ( Shabbos ) , The Sabbath prescence , let us welcome , '.for we Jews , are the partner to the Shabbos . In days of old , some of our people used to go out onto the road and welcome in the Essence of Shabbos . So long have we heard the true statement , that it is not just that we Jews keep the Shabbos , but that Shabbos has kept us through the centuries , remaining , in its full obedience , the Holy Parts That HaShem Has Given us , in keeping us truly Torah Jewish , in its full observance . It is The Day , to leave all behind in the physical World , and spend quality time with HaShem . In this Commandment of Keeping the Seventh Day Holy , is also included , Working for HaShem the other Six Days , to culminate in Shabbos . The Levites of old , would count every day of the week toward Shabbos , for every day , is linked to Shabbos and so , do we do likewise , every time we say the Psalm of the day , starting it with ' This is .... Day of the Shabbos . If All The Jews would just keep two Shabboses in a row , Mashiach would come . Keeping Shabbos , is so vital , to Creation and The Holy Shabbos , HaShem Wants all Jews to Keep , as we all Assured HaShem that we would , on Har Sinai , as well as all the other Commandments of HaShem and His Torah . Shabbos is Forever and so is It's Observance for all times , for Shabbos is above time and so must It's Observance Instructed From HaShem be always kept from generation to generation - past , present in modern times and into the future , just as HaShem Instructed To Moshe , with all It's 39 Melachos Forbidden Labors , all its Tennets .
Just as HaShem Gave His Fire Light In Creating Creation , and Rested on Shabbos , so must we not Kindle on Shabbos . The matter of not kindling fire is specifically mentioned , even though it is part of the 39 Melachos Forbidden Labors of Shabbos . There are 39 Melachos Forbidden Labors on Shabbos ( the same 39 Labors in Constructing the Tabernacle and all that HaShem Had Instructed to have built then , and so we gleaned these 39 Forbidden Labors for Shabbos , due to the Fact that both Shabbos and the Construction of the Tabernacle are written along-side each other in The Torah . So this particular forbidden labor was specifically mentioned , for this specific labor of kindling a fire , is within the energy of all actions that make up our physical workings when performing labor , for all we do , is by the Life Soul HaShem Gives us , His Kindling Fire , and so , on Shabbos , we must not use the Soul HaShem Gives us , for anything that HaShem Forbids us on This Holy Day ( and in fact , every day ) .
The Second Parsha , part of the Double Parsha that we read this Shabbos is Parashas Pekudei , which speaks of the " Reckonings" - " Pekudei , " refers to the accounting of what was made at that time , to the specific way , order and amount That HaShem Instructed . This too can relate to the Shabbos , for it is a day of our accounting of obedience to HaShem , where , we reckon and account our soul , to make it holier and so climb holy levels on the Shabbos . The very articles that were " Pekudei " - " Reckoned " in Parashas Pekudei , in their accounting of being part of all the Holy Things HaShem Instructed , became Holy , in the ' Reckoning , " for in their " Reckoning and Accounting ," they were Inaugurated to their Holy Service . The Same is with the Torah we take out on Shabbos . The same is with the Mezuzah we have on our door-posts . The same is with the Tefillin we wear for Shacharis . The Same is with the Tallis , we wear in Davening . The same is with the Siddurim and Machzorim we Daven with . The same is with the Holy Seforim we learn from . The same is with every Holy Article that we use , for in using it , we instill that Holy Article with Kedushah From HaShem .The same is with us , when we do HaShem's Mitzvos . And the same is when we " Vayakhel " - " Assemble " together as a nation for Daveing to , and serving HaShem . Especially on the Holy Shabbos . For when we " Vayakhel " - " Assemble , " as the Parsha Says , " Es Kol Adas B'nei Yisrael , " - " The Entire Assembly of the Children of Israel , " we open up the Heavens , To Give us HaShem's Light and are " Pekudei " - " Reckoned " among our fellow Jews , with holiness . For when we Jews " Vayakhel " - " Assemble " together , we can bring Moshiach and end our Galus and all the pain that comes with it . Within the word " Vayakhel. , " is Moshiach , for its Gematriah is 6 + 10 + 100 + 5 + 30 = 151 and 1+5+1 = 7 , the Gematriah of Mashiach . The " Vayakhel " - " Assembly " " Kol Adas " Togetherness " of Jews , brings Mashiach , which is The Time , that will end all the pain and suffering and Mageifim - Plagues and Diseases and Sicknesses , and will bring us back to the path we were headed on , at the Beginning , when HaShem Made Creation and that First Shabbos Seventh Day was going to be Eternal and Forever , if only Chavah and Adam would have obeyed HaShem . So " Vayakhel Eis Kol Adas B'nei Yisrael " - " Assmbling the Entire Assembly of the Children of Israel , " will bring on the End of Days Olam Habah , and so , Shabbos will be Eternal and within the Ever Loving Closeness Of HaShem . And thus , will " Bereishis " - " In The Beginning " - " Creation , " reach its Final stage and enter into the Eternal Shabbos . For within the word " Pekudei " - " Reckoning , " is the Start of Creation - The Beginning , " for the Gematriah of the word " Pekudei , " is 80 + 100 + 6 + 4 + 10 = 200 which is also the Gematrical value of the Hebrew Letter ' Reish ' and if we say the letter as it is spelt as ' Reish , ' then the Hebrew Word ' Reishah , ' means ' Beginning , ' where the ' Ah ' sound at the end of it represents ' Elokim ' - ' HaShem ' and thus shows that the ' Reish- ah ' is that Hebrew Letter Reish with HaShem and so , suggests , ' The Beginning ( of Creation ) With HaShem . ' Also the letter Reish as it looks as a letter , appears to come down from the Higher Planes , down to us , and so , with " Vayakhel " - " Assembling " and " Pekudei " - taking a final " Reckoning , " we can bring Creation , to it's Final Intention , and enter into the Eternal Shabbos , " with HaShem Ha Kadosh Baruch Hu , HaShem , The Holy One Blessed Be He .
I wish HaShem With Sweetest Love , A Very Sweet And Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh With Deepest Love , and to all my fellow Jews and to all of Creation , A Very Beautiful , And Healing By HaShem , Sweet Shabbos Kodesh with love . May HaShem Heal Our World and those in it . May HaShem Bring On , The End Of Days Olam HaBah Bekarov in our Days . Blessed Shabbos Kodesh To HaShem With Love and Blessed Shabbos Kodesh to all my fellow Jews and all of Creation , With Love .
Friday, 13 March 2020
Parashas Ki Sissa Parashas Parah
Our Parsha this Shabbos is Parashas Ki Sissa and also this Shabbos is Parashas Parah so the Maftir is Bamidbar 19:1-22 and the Haftorah is for Parashas Parah Yechezkel Ezekiel 36:16-38 , seeing as this is the next specific Shabbos of the four special Shabbos before Pesach . We read Parashas Parah about the Parah Aduma the Red Cow , which deals with purification at this time , for in times of old , people needed to purify themselves , before coming to Yerushalaim for the coming Pilgrim Festival of Passover .
In the previous Parsha , the Incense Altar was Instructed , so we start this Parsha of Ki Sissa , with continuing of the Instructions of what is necessary for the Tent of Meeting .
HaShem Instructs Moshe that when he takes a census of the Children of Israel , " Ki Sissa " each is to give a half a shekel , when counting them , so that there be no plague among them when counting them . We know from of old , that we are not to count Jews directly , but rather to use objects or verses from Psalms when numbering , for Satan , accounts everyone's sins and when Jews count Jews directly , they are highlighted for the Aveirahs they do and Satan brings their Aveirahs before the Heavenly Court and calls upon HaShem's Attribute Of Justice to come to the fore , and for HaShem's Attribute Of Mercy , To Stand Back . So we make sure to never count Jews directly , but rather use objects or something else in the counting . We saw the effects of the plague in Dovid Ha Melech's time , when he counted the people ( misunderstanding the Torah Verse here when he had the people counted ) and by Torah Depth , instituted the pronouncing of a hundred Blessings every day , that we need to do , which stayed the Plague . In Dovid Ha Melech's time , 70 000 people died in that Plague . The Evil Eye , when we show how many we are , is watching and waiting to do negativity , thus counting of our people , must not ever be direct . Our Sages believe that when the nations saw us receiving the Torah , some cast an eye of jealousy and this brought negativity , which as we know resulted in the Tablets , that were first given amid open celebration , being shattered . So the Second Tablets were given more quietly ( Yalkut MeAm Loez ) . Thus HaShem Had us use half a Shekel in the counting . Wealthy and poor alike , were to give half a Shekel to atone for their souls and to be given for the work of the Tent Of Meeting and as a remembrance before HaShem for the Children of Israel , to atone for our souls . How interesting to note that it was half a Shekel , for it would thus take two Jews to make a single full Shekel , which shows that no Jew is an Island , but must always be together with his or her fellow Jew religiously to make the whole . We need our fellow Jews to help lift us up and better ourselves and all of us as a nation must be one as a nation , and with HaShem's Mitzvos .
HaShem Then Instructed on the making of the copper " Kiyor " - " Laver " for Aharon and his sons to wash their hands and feet when they come to the Tent of Meeting or when approaching the Altar to serve , as an eternal decree for them and their offspring for the geberations . The " " Nechoshes " - " Copper " used in it would also spiritually work against Samael , who used the " Nachash " - " Snake " ( same root letters ) , to entice Chava - Eve . Even today , we Toivel Negel Vassar for various reasons and at certain times . HaShem Then Instructed on the Holy " Shemen Ha Mishchah " - " Annointment Oil " and its ingredients . It was to be made with " the handiwork of a perfumer " so its making would be exactly as a professional perfumer would make it , in that day . With it , was the Tent of Meeting and the Ark of the Testimonial Tablets , the Table and all its utensils , the Menorah and all its utensils and the Incense Altar , the Elevation - offering Altar and all its utensils and the Laver and its base to be annointed with the Annointment Oil and thus sanctify them so they remain holy of holies . Aharon too and his sons , were to be annointed . This oil is to remain throughout the generations and it is never to be duplicated . HaShem Instructed Moshe on the Incense and its ingredients , also the handiwork of a perfumer and it's likeness was never to be made .
HaShem Calls Betzalel son of Uri , son of Chur of the Tribe of Yehudah , who was thirteen years old at the time and the great grandson of Miriam ( Midrash Shemos Rabbi Weissman ) . Chur was the one slain when he tried to stop the revellers at the Chait Ha Eigel Golden Calf . Miriam's great grandson being endowed and chosen , was a reward for her actions in saving Moshe and many other Jewish babies , at the time of the decree of Pharaoh , to kill our male babies and she disobeyed . Betzalel was specially endowed , for all the work of making all that HaShem Wanted Made , by HaShem Giving him an understanding of the depth of each article that was to be made , a depth that showed it's spiritual meaning and representation of its counterpart in Shamaim Heaven . Also , Betzalel , say our Rabbis , was shown the beauty of the mechanics of how HaShem Created Creation with the Hebrew Letters . Betzalel's name within it is " Betzail El " - which means , " in the Shadow of the Almighty , " ( Midrash Shemos - Rabbi Weissman ) for HaShem Let Him See , the inner workings of Creation . HaShem Also Called to help him , Oholiav son of Achisamach of the Tribe of Dan . HaShem Then Instructs on the Shabbos , as a sign between HaShem and us , for keeping the Shabbos , shows a full faith belief in the Truth , That HaShem Made the other Six Days of Creation . The Shabbos is put here , with the making of the Tabernacle , for those labors needed for its construction , are the same 39 Melachos - Forbidden Labours on forbidden to be done on the Shabbos , for even for Shabbos , must the Construction take a halt , for Shabbos is to be kept .
When HaShem Finished Talking To Moshe , HaShem Gave Moshe the two Tablets of Testimony , stone tablets Inscribed By The Finger of G-D .
Moshe had gone up the Moutain on the 7th of Sivan and said he would return forty days and forty nights later . The people mistook the time , for they counted as part of the forty days , the day he left them and this was not the case . They therefore expected him back on the 16th of Tammuz , but he was due back on the 17th of Tammuz ( now a Fast Day ) . When midday came and went on the 16th , the people started to agitate . Satan , took advantage of the situation , and even showed them in the air , a part of the physicality of Moshe , which he had shed when he went up the Mountain , making them think he had died , Chas Ve Shalom . The people started to agitate , and they crowded around Aharon . It was the Eirev Rav , the 3000 mixed multitude that had come with the Children of Israel , that incited them to worry . it was the Eirev Rav that were outside the Clouds of Glory , not traveling within the Camp of Israel , that took this worry to their advantage , by saying to Aharon that the wanted a leader themselves as a representation of Moshe ( Yalkut MeAm Loez ) . The Vision of HaShem's Throne of Glory , the Merkava , had ( as Yechezkiel mentions ) four images on it , an ox , a man , a lion and an eagle , and so , they thought a representation of an ox would hold a place for the holiness of HaShem . How wrong they were . Chur had tried to stop them , but they had slain him , with stones . In crowding around Aharon , they threatened him too . Aharon knew that Moshe would be back , but they refused to believe him and told Aharon to make " gods " plural to go before them , for they thought their leader Moshe was not returning . Yanus and Yambus , Bilaam's sons had come with , and when Aharon asked the people for their gold rings , he thought that the women would prortest , that this should not be done to HaShem , which is exactly what the women did ( and thus they were rewarded for all time , with not having to work on Rosh Chodesh ) , for Aharon hoped that this would delay the people long enough so that Moshe would by then return .
Also , who came along was a man by the name of Micha , whom Moshe had saved as a baby , that HaShem Had Advised not to save , who was going to be put into the building for the Egyptians , as a brick , as many of our babies were put in to their walls . Moshe had saved him , and subsequently , when Moshe was raising the coffin of Yosef from the Nile , and using a scroll that Moshe had written on it , the words , " Alei Shor Alei Shor " - " Arise Ox Arise Ox , " which was Yaakov's representation of Yosef , as a strong boned ox that keeps to our Holy Beliefs without wavering . Micha , that day , after Yosef had been raised , took the scroll and kept it . So when Aharon threw the gold into the furnace , Yanus and Yambrus , came along and with their powers of Tum'a , said incantations and at that moment , Micha threw into the furnace , the scroll that said " Alei Shor Alei Shor , " and so , out of the Furnace emerged a living bleating golden ox . In fact , twelve other golden oxen came out too , one for each Tribe and it was the Eirev Rav , the mixed multitide , that said to us , " These be your gods oh Israel " ( plural ) ( talking to us Jews as " your " ) .
The people wanted an altar as well .
Aharon knew full well that Moshe would return and so said the words , " A Festival for HaShem Tomorrow . "
HaShem's Anger understandably came to the fore , for while HaShem Was In The Process , Of Writing the Tablets , that were miraculous themselves , for they read the same way , on both sides , and letters like the Mem and Samech that are circular , actually floated in the air within them , the people were breaking their covenant like a marriage to HaShem , with their actions .
HaShem Told Moshe to go down , for " your people ( the Eirev Rav that HaShem Had advised that Moshe should not bring along and Moshe felt sorry for them ) " had corrupted themselves . Moshe couldn't believe that the people would have done this and kept trying to defend them , but HaShem Kept Corroborating more and more , that yes , they did make it and when Moshe said surely they wouldn't pray to it , HaShem Again Corroborated that yes they did . Moshe said surely they wouldn't Sacrifice to it , and again HaShem Said they did .
It was then that HaShem Allowed Moshe to fulfill one of his spiritual reasons for being there at that time , for HaShem Said To Moshe , " Desist from Me , Let my anger flare up against them and I Shall Annihilate them and I Shall Make you into a great nation . " This was a cue to Moshe that if Moshe does not leave HaShem , and defends them , then HaShem Won't Destroy them . Moshe cared nothing for himself and the offer to make from him a great nation . Our Rabbis believe Moshe may have been the original Noach , who went into the Ark and did not ask for the people to be saved and so , when Moshe said the words to HaShem , " Why HaShem , should Your Anger flare up against Your people , " ( and when Moshe continued through the years to defend us ) , at that noment , Moshe rectified the time when as Noach he might have done this very action of asking for the people of Noach's day to be saved .
Moshe Pleads and Prays for us and only when bringing up the Fore-Fathers , does he attain for us a relent . For Moshe said there must be at least ten holy people then , and so HaShem counts Moshe and his brother Aharon and five others - Elazar Isamar , Pinchas , Yehoshua and Kaleiv ( trying the same track that Avraham tried for ten people necessary to save the people and Moshe tells HaShem , that at least with the seven , HaShem Can add Himself and if not , to add to the seven , HaShem can " then add Avraham , Yitzchak and Yaakov . " HaShem Accepted this ( Midrash Shemos - Rabbi Weissman ) .
Moshe descended and met Yehoshuah at the bottom , who thought it was the sound of war , but Moshe spoke of a sound of " Anot " - " distress " but also a sound of " anah " "answering HaShem's Goodness , " with unfaithfulness .
When Moshe saw what was happening , he himself became angry and he saw the letters on the Luchos , leaving the Tablets and rising up to Heaven . Moshe reasoned that if the people would get the Tablets , they would be more bound by them as an unfaithful wife would be if she was under the marriage contract Kesubah , and so , even though all 70 elders rushed to Moshe to try wrestle the Tablets from his hands , he overpowered them all , and smashed the Tablets at the foot of the Mountain . The Calf , he burnt in fire and ground it to a fine powder and sprinkled it over the water , and just as a Sotah takes the test of unfaithfulnes , so did he make the Children of Israel drink and their punishment was according to if they worshiped the calf or not .
Moshe questioned Aharon , who answered that the gold was thrown into the furnace and the calf just emerged . Aharon had exposed the bad ones who did harbor a want to idol worship , to disgrace .
Moshe had them choose on which side they were , if they were on the Eternal's Side . The Levites who , like the women had not taken part , gathered around Moshe , and Moshe instructed that the Eirev Rav , be slain. All 3000 Eirev Rav were killed . HaShem Sent a Plague that dealt with those involved in the worshiping of the Golden Calf .
All 3000 Eirev Rav died that day and those who internally worshiped the Calf . Once the item of the sin had been destroyed . Moshe could return to HaShem , to again beg for his people . Moshe again was up on the Mountain for another forty days , till the 29th of Av begging for the people's forgiveness , when HaShem Had Forgiven the people and Agreed To Give them the Second Tablets . It was on Rosh Chodesh Elul , that Moshe went up a Third Time for forty days , neither eating nor drinking , and retuned on the Tenth of Tishrei , Yom Kippur , when HaShem Had Forgiven the people In Closeness again . Thus is the day of Yom Kippur , one of Atonement and Forgiveness . Thank you Moshe for speaking up for us all . Thank you HaShem For Forgiving us To The Point That You Did . Moshe felt that HaShem had been Angry at the people and turned aside , so Moshe too , put his tent 2000 amos away from the Camp , the T' Chum Shabbos , the limit one may walk outside on Shabbos from the city limit . Whenever Moshe would come out of his tent , the people would rise and remain standing till he went back in . The people really showed their feelings of needing forgiveness .
Moshe pleaded for HaShem's Nearness and HaShem Shielded Moshe Within a Rock within a Cave and that was still not strong enough to shield the Back of HaShem , As HaShem Showed Moshe the Back Of His Essence .
It was from Sapphire , that miraculously appeared under his Tent , thus making Moshe quite wealthy , as a reward for his faithfulness and also for his actions of caring only to find Yosef's coffin , while the rest of the people were removing the things from Egypt , that Moshe carved the Second Luchos .
It was on Moshe's Visit to the Top of rthe Mountain , that HaShem Taught Moshe the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy , to say , to get HaShem's Forgiveness . And so did Moshe Pray these Thirteen Attributes to gain forgiveness for us From HaShem .
HaShem Did Not Want To Go Ahead Of the people and Wanted To Send His Angel instead , but Moshe persuaded HaShem to Go Himself in Leading the people . And it was only in the time of Yehoshuah , that HaShem Sent His Angel before us .
HaShem Then Instructed on not to let the other nations in Israel be a snare for us and not to allow any form of idol worhip in Israel . Not to let their daughters be with our sons , so our sons will not stray from Holy Judaism . HaShem Instructed us Not to make idols .
HaShem Instructs on the Festival of Matzos , on the first borns , on the Shabbos , on the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of the Harvest ( Pesach , Shavuos and Succos ) , and on Kashrus , " not to cook a kid in its mother's milk " ( mentioned three times in Torah , for the three injunctions of Kashrus of milk and meat - not to cook it together , eat it together or benefit from mixing it together ) .
The Second Tablets , Moshe Inscribed and when Moshe came down the Mountain , his face had become radiant When HaShem Had Spoken To him , and so Moshe had to wear a mask on his face to the Children of Israel . So ends the Parsha .
The words " Ki Sissa " literally means , " To Lift the head . " This is true holiness , for in being counted , it really means , being a part of HaShem and thus lifting oneself up to holiness . That is why we are here . When we act as the people did , with the Chait Ha Eigel , we lower ourselves from HaShem . But when we lift ourselves up to holiness , and to each Commandment HaShem Gives us , we lift ourselves up in hoiness and closeness with HaShem , to be counted , as one with HaShem .
We are not here to have physical meaningless lives . We are all here for a greater purpose and future of total meaning . We are here to return to HaShem , not just when it is our time to leave this Earth , but while we are on this Earth . When we become this holy light , we will not have to die . We will be eternal as was the Plan from the Beginning . Being Counted , means counting oneself as one of the Obedient and Holy of HaShem . That is the True Meaning of Life .
That is what brings radiance to us . That is what makes the Light of HaShem Within our souls , radiate outwards . That is what we are here for . Just as Moshe was up on the mountain three times 40 days , to make a total of 120 , which is the same number of years of a person , and was the exact years of Moshe when he lived then , so will we extend these years to eternal living , if we only obey HaShem and be within the counted ones close to HaShem in Obedience and Love . This set of 120 years , is the limit our own actions put on us . This will go away , when we " Ki Sissa " allow ourselves to be totally at one with HaShem , one of His Holy Ones , changing the whole of the present existence , to the one intended , at the Beginning of Creation , the one that is True Eternal Life , within HaShem . The word " Sissa " is also the same spelling as the number ' Teisha " - " Nine " so " Ki " when we go beyond that " Nine , " to the final Ten , we can complete Creation and return to Gan Eiden .
HaShem Awaits us . HaShem Has Waited for us so very long . It is time for us to return in true and total holiness , and be once and for all " Ki Sissa " be counted as what we were Created to be , Radiant Lights of HaShem .
I wish HaShem With Total and Ever Abiding Love , A Very Special and Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh With Love and to all my fellow Jews and all of Creation , a Very Special and Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love .
In the previous Parsha , the Incense Altar was Instructed , so we start this Parsha of Ki Sissa , with continuing of the Instructions of what is necessary for the Tent of Meeting .
HaShem Instructs Moshe that when he takes a census of the Children of Israel , " Ki Sissa " each is to give a half a shekel , when counting them , so that there be no plague among them when counting them . We know from of old , that we are not to count Jews directly , but rather to use objects or verses from Psalms when numbering , for Satan , accounts everyone's sins and when Jews count Jews directly , they are highlighted for the Aveirahs they do and Satan brings their Aveirahs before the Heavenly Court and calls upon HaShem's Attribute Of Justice to come to the fore , and for HaShem's Attribute Of Mercy , To Stand Back . So we make sure to never count Jews directly , but rather use objects or something else in the counting . We saw the effects of the plague in Dovid Ha Melech's time , when he counted the people ( misunderstanding the Torah Verse here when he had the people counted ) and by Torah Depth , instituted the pronouncing of a hundred Blessings every day , that we need to do , which stayed the Plague . In Dovid Ha Melech's time , 70 000 people died in that Plague . The Evil Eye , when we show how many we are , is watching and waiting to do negativity , thus counting of our people , must not ever be direct . Our Sages believe that when the nations saw us receiving the Torah , some cast an eye of jealousy and this brought negativity , which as we know resulted in the Tablets , that were first given amid open celebration , being shattered . So the Second Tablets were given more quietly ( Yalkut MeAm Loez ) . Thus HaShem Had us use half a Shekel in the counting . Wealthy and poor alike , were to give half a Shekel to atone for their souls and to be given for the work of the Tent Of Meeting and as a remembrance before HaShem for the Children of Israel , to atone for our souls . How interesting to note that it was half a Shekel , for it would thus take two Jews to make a single full Shekel , which shows that no Jew is an Island , but must always be together with his or her fellow Jew religiously to make the whole . We need our fellow Jews to help lift us up and better ourselves and all of us as a nation must be one as a nation , and with HaShem's Mitzvos .
HaShem Then Instructed on the making of the copper " Kiyor " - " Laver " for Aharon and his sons to wash their hands and feet when they come to the Tent of Meeting or when approaching the Altar to serve , as an eternal decree for them and their offspring for the geberations . The " " Nechoshes " - " Copper " used in it would also spiritually work against Samael , who used the " Nachash " - " Snake " ( same root letters ) , to entice Chava - Eve . Even today , we Toivel Negel Vassar for various reasons and at certain times . HaShem Then Instructed on the Holy " Shemen Ha Mishchah " - " Annointment Oil " and its ingredients . It was to be made with " the handiwork of a perfumer " so its making would be exactly as a professional perfumer would make it , in that day . With it , was the Tent of Meeting and the Ark of the Testimonial Tablets , the Table and all its utensils , the Menorah and all its utensils and the Incense Altar , the Elevation - offering Altar and all its utensils and the Laver and its base to be annointed with the Annointment Oil and thus sanctify them so they remain holy of holies . Aharon too and his sons , were to be annointed . This oil is to remain throughout the generations and it is never to be duplicated . HaShem Instructed Moshe on the Incense and its ingredients , also the handiwork of a perfumer and it's likeness was never to be made .
HaShem Calls Betzalel son of Uri , son of Chur of the Tribe of Yehudah , who was thirteen years old at the time and the great grandson of Miriam ( Midrash Shemos Rabbi Weissman ) . Chur was the one slain when he tried to stop the revellers at the Chait Ha Eigel Golden Calf . Miriam's great grandson being endowed and chosen , was a reward for her actions in saving Moshe and many other Jewish babies , at the time of the decree of Pharaoh , to kill our male babies and she disobeyed . Betzalel was specially endowed , for all the work of making all that HaShem Wanted Made , by HaShem Giving him an understanding of the depth of each article that was to be made , a depth that showed it's spiritual meaning and representation of its counterpart in Shamaim Heaven . Also , Betzalel , say our Rabbis , was shown the beauty of the mechanics of how HaShem Created Creation with the Hebrew Letters . Betzalel's name within it is " Betzail El " - which means , " in the Shadow of the Almighty , " ( Midrash Shemos - Rabbi Weissman ) for HaShem Let Him See , the inner workings of Creation . HaShem Also Called to help him , Oholiav son of Achisamach of the Tribe of Dan . HaShem Then Instructs on the Shabbos , as a sign between HaShem and us , for keeping the Shabbos , shows a full faith belief in the Truth , That HaShem Made the other Six Days of Creation . The Shabbos is put here , with the making of the Tabernacle , for those labors needed for its construction , are the same 39 Melachos - Forbidden Labours on forbidden to be done on the Shabbos , for even for Shabbos , must the Construction take a halt , for Shabbos is to be kept .
When HaShem Finished Talking To Moshe , HaShem Gave Moshe the two Tablets of Testimony , stone tablets Inscribed By The Finger of G-D .
Moshe had gone up the Moutain on the 7th of Sivan and said he would return forty days and forty nights later . The people mistook the time , for they counted as part of the forty days , the day he left them and this was not the case . They therefore expected him back on the 16th of Tammuz , but he was due back on the 17th of Tammuz ( now a Fast Day ) . When midday came and went on the 16th , the people started to agitate . Satan , took advantage of the situation , and even showed them in the air , a part of the physicality of Moshe , which he had shed when he went up the Mountain , making them think he had died , Chas Ve Shalom . The people started to agitate , and they crowded around Aharon . It was the Eirev Rav , the 3000 mixed multitude that had come with the Children of Israel , that incited them to worry . it was the Eirev Rav that were outside the Clouds of Glory , not traveling within the Camp of Israel , that took this worry to their advantage , by saying to Aharon that the wanted a leader themselves as a representation of Moshe ( Yalkut MeAm Loez ) . The Vision of HaShem's Throne of Glory , the Merkava , had ( as Yechezkiel mentions ) four images on it , an ox , a man , a lion and an eagle , and so , they thought a representation of an ox would hold a place for the holiness of HaShem . How wrong they were . Chur had tried to stop them , but they had slain him , with stones . In crowding around Aharon , they threatened him too . Aharon knew that Moshe would be back , but they refused to believe him and told Aharon to make " gods " plural to go before them , for they thought their leader Moshe was not returning . Yanus and Yambus , Bilaam's sons had come with , and when Aharon asked the people for their gold rings , he thought that the women would prortest , that this should not be done to HaShem , which is exactly what the women did ( and thus they were rewarded for all time , with not having to work on Rosh Chodesh ) , for Aharon hoped that this would delay the people long enough so that Moshe would by then return .
Also , who came along was a man by the name of Micha , whom Moshe had saved as a baby , that HaShem Had Advised not to save , who was going to be put into the building for the Egyptians , as a brick , as many of our babies were put in to their walls . Moshe had saved him , and subsequently , when Moshe was raising the coffin of Yosef from the Nile , and using a scroll that Moshe had written on it , the words , " Alei Shor Alei Shor " - " Arise Ox Arise Ox , " which was Yaakov's representation of Yosef , as a strong boned ox that keeps to our Holy Beliefs without wavering . Micha , that day , after Yosef had been raised , took the scroll and kept it . So when Aharon threw the gold into the furnace , Yanus and Yambrus , came along and with their powers of Tum'a , said incantations and at that moment , Micha threw into the furnace , the scroll that said " Alei Shor Alei Shor , " and so , out of the Furnace emerged a living bleating golden ox . In fact , twelve other golden oxen came out too , one for each Tribe and it was the Eirev Rav , the mixed multitide , that said to us , " These be your gods oh Israel " ( plural ) ( talking to us Jews as " your " ) .
The people wanted an altar as well .
Aharon knew full well that Moshe would return and so said the words , " A Festival for HaShem Tomorrow . "
HaShem's Anger understandably came to the fore , for while HaShem Was In The Process , Of Writing the Tablets , that were miraculous themselves , for they read the same way , on both sides , and letters like the Mem and Samech that are circular , actually floated in the air within them , the people were breaking their covenant like a marriage to HaShem , with their actions .
HaShem Told Moshe to go down , for " your people ( the Eirev Rav that HaShem Had advised that Moshe should not bring along and Moshe felt sorry for them ) " had corrupted themselves . Moshe couldn't believe that the people would have done this and kept trying to defend them , but HaShem Kept Corroborating more and more , that yes , they did make it and when Moshe said surely they wouldn't pray to it , HaShem Again Corroborated that yes they did . Moshe said surely they wouldn't Sacrifice to it , and again HaShem Said they did .
It was then that HaShem Allowed Moshe to fulfill one of his spiritual reasons for being there at that time , for HaShem Said To Moshe , " Desist from Me , Let my anger flare up against them and I Shall Annihilate them and I Shall Make you into a great nation . " This was a cue to Moshe that if Moshe does not leave HaShem , and defends them , then HaShem Won't Destroy them . Moshe cared nothing for himself and the offer to make from him a great nation . Our Rabbis believe Moshe may have been the original Noach , who went into the Ark and did not ask for the people to be saved and so , when Moshe said the words to HaShem , " Why HaShem , should Your Anger flare up against Your people , " ( and when Moshe continued through the years to defend us ) , at that noment , Moshe rectified the time when as Noach he might have done this very action of asking for the people of Noach's day to be saved .
Moshe Pleads and Prays for us and only when bringing up the Fore-Fathers , does he attain for us a relent . For Moshe said there must be at least ten holy people then , and so HaShem counts Moshe and his brother Aharon and five others - Elazar Isamar , Pinchas , Yehoshua and Kaleiv ( trying the same track that Avraham tried for ten people necessary to save the people and Moshe tells HaShem , that at least with the seven , HaShem Can add Himself and if not , to add to the seven , HaShem can " then add Avraham , Yitzchak and Yaakov . " HaShem Accepted this ( Midrash Shemos - Rabbi Weissman ) .
Moshe descended and met Yehoshuah at the bottom , who thought it was the sound of war , but Moshe spoke of a sound of " Anot " - " distress " but also a sound of " anah " "answering HaShem's Goodness , " with unfaithfulness .
When Moshe saw what was happening , he himself became angry and he saw the letters on the Luchos , leaving the Tablets and rising up to Heaven . Moshe reasoned that if the people would get the Tablets , they would be more bound by them as an unfaithful wife would be if she was under the marriage contract Kesubah , and so , even though all 70 elders rushed to Moshe to try wrestle the Tablets from his hands , he overpowered them all , and smashed the Tablets at the foot of the Mountain . The Calf , he burnt in fire and ground it to a fine powder and sprinkled it over the water , and just as a Sotah takes the test of unfaithfulnes , so did he make the Children of Israel drink and their punishment was according to if they worshiped the calf or not .
Moshe questioned Aharon , who answered that the gold was thrown into the furnace and the calf just emerged . Aharon had exposed the bad ones who did harbor a want to idol worship , to disgrace .
Moshe had them choose on which side they were , if they were on the Eternal's Side . The Levites who , like the women had not taken part , gathered around Moshe , and Moshe instructed that the Eirev Rav , be slain. All 3000 Eirev Rav were killed . HaShem Sent a Plague that dealt with those involved in the worshiping of the Golden Calf .
All 3000 Eirev Rav died that day and those who internally worshiped the Calf . Once the item of the sin had been destroyed . Moshe could return to HaShem , to again beg for his people . Moshe again was up on the Mountain for another forty days , till the 29th of Av begging for the people's forgiveness , when HaShem Had Forgiven the people and Agreed To Give them the Second Tablets . It was on Rosh Chodesh Elul , that Moshe went up a Third Time for forty days , neither eating nor drinking , and retuned on the Tenth of Tishrei , Yom Kippur , when HaShem Had Forgiven the people In Closeness again . Thus is the day of Yom Kippur , one of Atonement and Forgiveness . Thank you Moshe for speaking up for us all . Thank you HaShem For Forgiving us To The Point That You Did . Moshe felt that HaShem had been Angry at the people and turned aside , so Moshe too , put his tent 2000 amos away from the Camp , the T' Chum Shabbos , the limit one may walk outside on Shabbos from the city limit . Whenever Moshe would come out of his tent , the people would rise and remain standing till he went back in . The people really showed their feelings of needing forgiveness .
Moshe pleaded for HaShem's Nearness and HaShem Shielded Moshe Within a Rock within a Cave and that was still not strong enough to shield the Back of HaShem , As HaShem Showed Moshe the Back Of His Essence .
It was from Sapphire , that miraculously appeared under his Tent , thus making Moshe quite wealthy , as a reward for his faithfulness and also for his actions of caring only to find Yosef's coffin , while the rest of the people were removing the things from Egypt , that Moshe carved the Second Luchos .
It was on Moshe's Visit to the Top of rthe Mountain , that HaShem Taught Moshe the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy , to say , to get HaShem's Forgiveness . And so did Moshe Pray these Thirteen Attributes to gain forgiveness for us From HaShem .
HaShem Did Not Want To Go Ahead Of the people and Wanted To Send His Angel instead , but Moshe persuaded HaShem to Go Himself in Leading the people . And it was only in the time of Yehoshuah , that HaShem Sent His Angel before us .
HaShem Then Instructed on not to let the other nations in Israel be a snare for us and not to allow any form of idol worhip in Israel . Not to let their daughters be with our sons , so our sons will not stray from Holy Judaism . HaShem Instructed us Not to make idols .
HaShem Instructs on the Festival of Matzos , on the first borns , on the Shabbos , on the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of the Harvest ( Pesach , Shavuos and Succos ) , and on Kashrus , " not to cook a kid in its mother's milk " ( mentioned three times in Torah , for the three injunctions of Kashrus of milk and meat - not to cook it together , eat it together or benefit from mixing it together ) .
The Second Tablets , Moshe Inscribed and when Moshe came down the Mountain , his face had become radiant When HaShem Had Spoken To him , and so Moshe had to wear a mask on his face to the Children of Israel . So ends the Parsha .
The words " Ki Sissa " literally means , " To Lift the head . " This is true holiness , for in being counted , it really means , being a part of HaShem and thus lifting oneself up to holiness . That is why we are here . When we act as the people did , with the Chait Ha Eigel , we lower ourselves from HaShem . But when we lift ourselves up to holiness , and to each Commandment HaShem Gives us , we lift ourselves up in hoiness and closeness with HaShem , to be counted , as one with HaShem .
We are not here to have physical meaningless lives . We are all here for a greater purpose and future of total meaning . We are here to return to HaShem , not just when it is our time to leave this Earth , but while we are on this Earth . When we become this holy light , we will not have to die . We will be eternal as was the Plan from the Beginning . Being Counted , means counting oneself as one of the Obedient and Holy of HaShem . That is the True Meaning of Life .
That is what brings radiance to us . That is what makes the Light of HaShem Within our souls , radiate outwards . That is what we are here for . Just as Moshe was up on the mountain three times 40 days , to make a total of 120 , which is the same number of years of a person , and was the exact years of Moshe when he lived then , so will we extend these years to eternal living , if we only obey HaShem and be within the counted ones close to HaShem in Obedience and Love . This set of 120 years , is the limit our own actions put on us . This will go away , when we " Ki Sissa " allow ourselves to be totally at one with HaShem , one of His Holy Ones , changing the whole of the present existence , to the one intended , at the Beginning of Creation , the one that is True Eternal Life , within HaShem . The word " Sissa " is also the same spelling as the number ' Teisha " - " Nine " so " Ki " when we go beyond that " Nine , " to the final Ten , we can complete Creation and return to Gan Eiden .
HaShem Awaits us . HaShem Has Waited for us so very long . It is time for us to return in true and total holiness , and be once and for all " Ki Sissa " be counted as what we were Created to be , Radiant Lights of HaShem .
I wish HaShem With Total and Ever Abiding Love , A Very Special and Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh With Love and to all my fellow Jews and all of Creation , a Very Special and Beautiful Shabbos Kodesh with love .
Friday, 6 March 2020
Parashas Tetzaveh
Our Parsha this Shabbos is Parashas Tetzaveh and seeing as this Shabbos comes just before Purim , where HaShem Defeated Amalek for us , this Shabbos also is called Parashas Zachor , where we remember what Amalek did to us as we were coming forth from Egypt and so , we read the regular Parsha of Tetzaveh , but the Maftir is Parashas Zachor in Devarim Deuteronomy 25:17-19 and the Haftorah is for Parashas Zachor in 1 Shmuel Samuel 15:1-34 which also relates to Amalek , where King Shaul didn't destroy Agag of Amalek and the prophet Shmuel deals with Agag , himself and denounces Shaul as King , for Shaul disobeying HaShem's Command to destroy Amalek .
In our last Parsha , the construction of The Mishkan was Commanded and now that there would be a place for the Kohanim - Priests to do their Service , this Parsha of Tetzaveh focuses on the Kohein Gadol and other Kohanim and their Garments .
HaShem First Commands that pure pressed olive oil be taken for illumination of the Menorah , to kindle the lamp continually .
All the other Tribes had offered toward the Mishkan , but Aharon from the Tribe of Levi , was not to contribute . The reason being , that HaShem Had A Special Task for Aharon to perform , and that would be the kindling of the lamp continually . Originally Moshe was to be the Kohein Gadol , but when he continued to denounce HaShem's Choice of him , at the Burning Bush , it was then that Aharon was given the position of Kohein Gadol . Aharon was three years older than Moshe and he was basically the leader of the Jews in Egypt , after his Father Amram , but when Moshe came , Aharon happily accepted Moshe's leadership , and now , Moshe too , happily accepted Aharon as the Kohein Gadol .
HaShem Made the " Tetzaveh " - "Command " that Aharon and his sons were to arrange the lamps from evening to morning , before HaShem , as an Eternal Decree for their generations , and the Western Lamp on the Menorah , was to be kept burning always . The Western Lamp , the Neir Ma'aravi ( Ramban ) ( which was the second light from the Eastern side , or some Rabbis believe was the central one ) was to be left burning always . Only pure Olive Oil was to be used for the lighting . This meant that only the first drop of oil that was squeezed from the olive could be used , for only this one , would be without sediment . The rest of the oil squeezed from the olive , could not be used for this kindling . This teaches us a very valid lesson , that our first and fore-most giving of ourselves , must always be to HaShem . This first squeezing had to be done by hand , for only by hand , on a first squeezing , could one be totally sure , that absolutely no sediment would be in the oil . It had to be pure , as we are to be pure , and only with this pure oil drop , one per olive , would the light burn a pure colour , just as we must be pure , and without 'sediment ' - without ' any drops of impurity . ' For just as this first drop is the purest and gives the purest light , so , must the light we give off , be pure too , by keeping HaShem's Commandments with love .
HaShem Asks Moshe to bring near to himself , Aharon his brother and his sons Nadav , Avihu , Elazar and Ithamar , to minister to HaShem . HaShem Tells Moshe in this way , that he must bring Aharon ' near to himself , ' so that Moshe would still feel that he is still on a higher level and just in case he may have felt sad at not being the Kohein Gadol as was originally the idea , so HaShem takes into account , our feelings and so should we when we speak to others .
Aharon and the specific sons of Aharon only are mentioned , for it is only from these , that the the Kohanim come , , thus including any children that might be born to them . But any already living grand-children , would not be included as Kohanim , but would remain Levites . Pinchas , Elazar's son , was later appointed , directly from HaShem .
HaShem Commanded that vestments of sanctity be made for Aharon , " for glory and splendor . " It states ' specifically ' to show that for every new Kohein Gadol , new vestments had to be made . It was " for glory and splendor " which are terms usually referred to a king , for the Kohein Gadol had to look royal and majestic , shining pure for his people . The story is told of a person who wanted to convert , and he went to Shammai and told Shammai he wants to convert just because he wants to wear the majestic garments of the Kohein Gadol and Shammai , chased him away with a yardstick , for one is supposed to have a pure motive in converting to Judaism . The man then went to Hillel , who decided to teach him the Hebrew Alphabet and then slowly to read a bit of Torah and referred to the verse that states in Torah that any non-Kohein who wears the holy vestments , will be put to death . The man realized that not only a convert , but even a born Jew who isn't a Kohein Gadol , cannot wear the vestments and thus realized , that it is beautiful enough , to be a Jew and so he became a convert . These vestments were to be " of glory and splendor , " to display the high position of purity , that is the station of the Kohein Gadol , in ministering to HaShem .
HaShem Instructed the following garments to be made for the Kohein Gadol . An Ephod was to be made of gold , turquoise , purple and scarlet wool and twisted linen with a woven design . It was like a wrap around for the top area , with two shoulder straps and on these two straps were to be put two Shoham Stones and on these stones , were to be engraved , the Twelve Tribes of Israel , six on each , in the order of their birth . These stones were to be emplaced on the two shoulder straps of the Ephod as "remembrance stones " for the Children of Israel . Remembrance stones of what , one would ask . There were two stones , so they were like a representation of the Two Stones of the Ten Commandments ( Yalkut MeAm Loez ) , and thus as we all said " Na'aseh Ve Nishmah , " - " We will do and we will listen , " agreeing to keep the Torah at Har Sinai , so were these two stones a reminder and remembrance of that Holy Event and our Pledge to HaShem . Also , I think that we are always to remember Moshe , and so " Shoham " Stones were used , for The Hebrew word " Shoham " has the letters " Shin , Hei and Mem , " and these letters ( Yalkut MeAm Loez ) make up also the word " Moshe . "
Each garment of the Kohein Gadol , represented an atonement for some sin that a person could commit . The Ephod , according to Yalkut MeAm Loez and Midrash , atoned for the sin of idolatry . For Idolaters would wear a chest garment while performing their cults , so the Kohein Gadol , wearing a garment with straps , would atone for this sin .
HaShem Instructed that the Choshen Mishpat , the Breastplate of Judgement be made , onto which the twelve precious stones would go , each one representing a specific Tribe , for specific reasons . The stones on there were : - for Reuvein , the Stone Odem , which was a Ruby , which when ground would help barrenness, just like the mandrakes that Reuvein brought for his Mother , in Bereishis - Genesis . For Simeon , was the stone Pitdah - Emerald , which protects against sexual immorality , for it was Zimri from this Tribe , that committed the Aveirah , later on in Torah , with the Midianitess . For the Tribe of Levi , was the Stone Barekes - Crystal , where the word ' Barak ' means ' Lightning ' like lightning sparks of holy learning and wisdom and intelligence, which this stone would help increase , just like the Levites who were the Teachers of Israel at the time - Devarim Deuteronomy 33:10 . For the Tribe of Yehudah , was the stone Nophech - Carbuncle , which gave assistance to defeat enemies . For the Tribe of Yissaschar , the stone Sapir - Saphire , being the colour of the blue sky and the heavens , for this stone protected the sanctity of the eyes and body and helped keep peace , like the Torah , for this Tribe was filled with its Torah Scholars , while the Tribe of Zevulun , worked to support it , thus both got the shared Kavod of each other . The Tribe of Zevulun , had the Stone Yahalom - Pearl ( some think it was a diamond ) , which brought success in business , for Zevulun lived by the sea shores and dealt in trade . For the Tribe of Dan , was the Stone Leshem - Topaz , which had the upside down face of a man within it , for from this Tribe would come the Judge Shimshon and the upside down face of a man , was to represent that a Judge must not look up at the litigants in front of him at their wealth or poverty , but must treat them equally , without prior seeing and judgement, just like an upside down face that doesn't look at the people directly and tries to hide itself from judging by the physical . Also , within the name of this stone is the word " La Shem " - " To HaShem , " for their strength must always be for the sake of HaShem to HaShem. And their deeds to be " Lasheim HaShamaim " - " For the sake of Heaven . " For the Tribe of Naphtali , the Stone Shevo - Turquoise , which helps with speed , especially riding , for this Tribe is known for its speed , which Naphtali had to show , when he had to quickly run back to Egypt , to bring the title deed of the Cave of Machpelah , when they were laying Yaakov to rest , and Eisav came and disputed it . For the Tribe of Gad , the stone Ach'lamah - Calf Eye ( some say a Crystal ) , which gives courage and dispels fear and worry and anxiety during war , for Gad would go out to war , in total trust of HaShem , having no fear and destroying those who worshiped idols . For the Tribe of Asher , the Stone Tarshish , which was like perfectly clear oil , and thus related to the olive trees and their oil , that was this Tribe's Blessing - Bereishis Genesis 49:20 . For Yosef , the Stone Shoham - Onyx ( some say Emerald ) , for it causes its bearer to be liked by all around them , which was certainly suitable with Yosef . And the Stone for the Tribe of Binyamin , Yashfeh - Jasper , for this stone had the ability to stop bleeding , which is exactly what Binyamin did , by not exposing his brothers to what they did to Yosef , which would have caused bloodshed . The word " Yashfeh " also can be separated into the Hebrew words " Yesh , " and " Peh " which means " there is a mouth " but keep silent and don't loshon , as Binyamin kept silent and didn't loshon his brothers ( Yalkut MeAmLoez ) .
On the Choshen Mishpat - Breatplate of Judgement , were four rows of three stones , to remember our Three Fore-Fathers and Four Fore- Mothers . The Breastplate was to be made in such a way , that it would actually be folded over in half , and worn on the chest area , close to the heart , where HaSham Likes To Sit . Within this fold , would be placed the Urim Ve Tumim , and this would sit on Aharon's heart when he came before HaShem and it was for Aharon , to wear the Judgement of the Children of Israel constantly before HaShem . But what was the Urim And - Ve the Tumim . We notice that this particular holy object , no one was told to make , as if it was just presented from HaShem , and that is exactly what was the case , for the " Urim " which has the word " Ohr " - " Light " and " Tumim " which has the word " Tam " which means " Completeness " referred to Something that was filled with Lightness and Connected to the Ultimate Completeness and thus the Urim and the Tumim was HaShem's Name of the Tetragrammaton , the full Name of HaShem , that HaShem Used , to Make Certain things , and so did Moshe write this Name and It was put between the folds of the Choshen Mishpat . This could only be used to question , by a King , the Nation or by one who asked for the sake of the community . A person would ask the question , and the letters of the Names of the Tribes , inscribed by the Shamir worm , would light up in different patterns to give an answer . The Breastplate Choshen , atoned for the sin of the miscarriage of Justice , for it was related to Judging and Answering . Such a sin , can break a community , so the honesty and integrity of an honest Torah Judge , can make a community .
The Me'iI - Robe , was to be totally of turquoise wool . It was to cover the length of the body of the Kohein Gadol , with an opening at the top for the head to fit through and an opening at the bottom , but a full closed garment was it to be all around. At it's bottom , was to be 72 pomegranates alternating with 72 bells , referring to the 72 shades of white that would show up as a metzorah for the sin of Loshon Horah and so the Robe , was an atonement for the sin of Loshon Horah - Evil Speech . The bells make a sound , just as the voice does , but they are put on the bottom of the Robe , just as one's speech must be humble and low and not brash or arrogant and not slanderous . The Pomegranates have their seeds within , and is known to have 613 seeds , just as the 613 Mitzvos that we Jews are to keep . The seeds being within , are thus hidden from view , just as our speech should be hidden from view , in the way of not talking about others . Thus the Robe did Atone for Loshon Horah .The bells that would tinkle , when the Kohein Gadol entered and exited the Holy of Holies , was there for a very specific reason . Within the Holy of Holies , sometimes Malachim Angels would be there , and their holy presence could very well take the life of the one entering . So at the sound of these bells on the bottom of the Me'iI , they were to leave the Holy of Holies , so that the Kohein Gadol could enter safely and not get hurt .
Then HaShem Commanded That The Tzitz Head-Plate be made of pure gold and on it was to be engraved " Kodesh La A-d-nai " - " Holy to HaShem . " It was for the atonement of forgiveness of sins for sacred offerings and also atoned for the sin of Azus Panim - Sin of Arrogance . In Pirkei Avos it says , " The Arrogant will go to Gehinnom while the bashful will go to Gan Eiden " Avos 5:23 . We must be forever humble before HaShem .
HaShem Then Commanded on the making of the Ketones - Tunic of linen in a box-like knit . The Tunic atoned for murder where there were no witnesses , just like we remember the Tunic of Yosef that was dipped in blood . The Michnasayim - Pants were to be made and atoned for the sin of sexual immorality .
A Linen Turban Mitznefes was to be made and wound around the head of the Kohein Gadol . This atoned for the sin of pride . Again humility being the path ot Heaven and closeness with HaShem . For the Kohein Gadol , the Turban was more pointed and for an ordinary Kohein - Kohein Hedyot , the Turban was rounded . A Sash - Belt - Avneit was to be made , which atoned for evil thoughts . The Belt was 32 amos long and wound around the Ketones . The number 32 is also the same Gematrical value as the word ' Lev ' - ' Heart ' and thus did this Belt Sash Avneit atone for sins of the heart . ( Midrash Shemos Rabbi Weissman ) .
Not as many " Bigdei " - " Garments - Vestments " were to be made for ordinary Kohanim Hedyot , for the Kohein Hedyot , four vestments were to be made , but for the Kohein Gadol , eight vestments were to be made , specially for the Kohein Gadol .
HaShem then Commands about the Seven day Inauguration Ritual for Aharon and his sons to be inaugurated into the Priesthood and Torah continues with the offerings made for this period and also the Tamid offering .
The Parsha ends with the Commandments about the Incense Altar and how it was to have its incense offered every morning and evening and this was also to stay any plague that could come upon us When HaShem Was Upset with us .
HaShem Wants from us a great holiness and purity . With love , by following HaShem's Commandments , we can give HaShem What He Wants . As Aharon had to continually light the Menorah and thus let us be a part of the Holiness of HaShem , That Goes out to the World , so can we continually work for HaShem , in being for HaShem , a vessel , from which HaShem's Light Can Flow . But we need to be pure and holy first . Every Mitzvah we do , every Mitzvah we keep , brings us ever closer to HaShem . Ever closer to HaShem's Wish for His Creation . We are His Servants , to bring the rest of the World to His Light . Every day , evening and morning are we , within ourselves , to kindle HaShem's Light Within us all , to shine out into Creation . Each time we don't do a Commandment , we dampen and darken the World . The more that disobey , the darker the world becomes . If we look around us today , we feel the darkness , that we make , by not following HaShem Whole-heartedly . We can feel HaShem's Displeasure with us . We need to stop following false ways . We need to stop following man made paths . We need to stop making up our own rules and we need to stop following our own wishes and paths that won't lead anywhere . We have A Guide of Life , That Always Shines Through and Lights the World Around us , And That Will Dispel all this darkness , that not keeping the Commandments brings . For HaShem's " Tetzaveh " - " Commands " are HaShem's Pathway for us , to the Eternal Light of Shamaim . That Light is the Light of HaShem's Torah - The Everlasting Light that Carries us to HaShem , that contains HaShem's " Tetzaveh , " - " Commands . " Let us all grasp hold of it and make ourselves vessels for HaShem's Holy Light to once and for all , light up Creation , and destroy the Amaleks of the generations , and finally bring HaShem's Creation to it's intended destination , when the whole World will be full of Light , and with our accomplished purity and holiness , will we finally be true vessels for HaShem's Light , by keeping HaShem's " Tetzaveh " - " Commands " and thus will we be Servants of HaShem HaKadosh Baruch Hu . HaShem The Holy One Blessed Be He .
I wish HaShem With Eternal Love , A Beautiful And Sweet Shabbos Kodesh With Love and a Chag Purim Sameach With Love , and to all my fellow Jews , a Beautiful Sweet Shabbos Kodesh with love and Chag Purim Sameach with love . Shabbat Shalom to all of Creation .
In our last Parsha , the construction of The Mishkan was Commanded and now that there would be a place for the Kohanim - Priests to do their Service , this Parsha of Tetzaveh focuses on the Kohein Gadol and other Kohanim and their Garments .
HaShem First Commands that pure pressed olive oil be taken for illumination of the Menorah , to kindle the lamp continually .
All the other Tribes had offered toward the Mishkan , but Aharon from the Tribe of Levi , was not to contribute . The reason being , that HaShem Had A Special Task for Aharon to perform , and that would be the kindling of the lamp continually . Originally Moshe was to be the Kohein Gadol , but when he continued to denounce HaShem's Choice of him , at the Burning Bush , it was then that Aharon was given the position of Kohein Gadol . Aharon was three years older than Moshe and he was basically the leader of the Jews in Egypt , after his Father Amram , but when Moshe came , Aharon happily accepted Moshe's leadership , and now , Moshe too , happily accepted Aharon as the Kohein Gadol .
HaShem Made the " Tetzaveh " - "Command " that Aharon and his sons were to arrange the lamps from evening to morning , before HaShem , as an Eternal Decree for their generations , and the Western Lamp on the Menorah , was to be kept burning always . The Western Lamp , the Neir Ma'aravi ( Ramban ) ( which was the second light from the Eastern side , or some Rabbis believe was the central one ) was to be left burning always . Only pure Olive Oil was to be used for the lighting . This meant that only the first drop of oil that was squeezed from the olive could be used , for only this one , would be without sediment . The rest of the oil squeezed from the olive , could not be used for this kindling . This teaches us a very valid lesson , that our first and fore-most giving of ourselves , must always be to HaShem . This first squeezing had to be done by hand , for only by hand , on a first squeezing , could one be totally sure , that absolutely no sediment would be in the oil . It had to be pure , as we are to be pure , and only with this pure oil drop , one per olive , would the light burn a pure colour , just as we must be pure , and without 'sediment ' - without ' any drops of impurity . ' For just as this first drop is the purest and gives the purest light , so , must the light we give off , be pure too , by keeping HaShem's Commandments with love .
HaShem Asks Moshe to bring near to himself , Aharon his brother and his sons Nadav , Avihu , Elazar and Ithamar , to minister to HaShem . HaShem Tells Moshe in this way , that he must bring Aharon ' near to himself , ' so that Moshe would still feel that he is still on a higher level and just in case he may have felt sad at not being the Kohein Gadol as was originally the idea , so HaShem takes into account , our feelings and so should we when we speak to others .
Aharon and the specific sons of Aharon only are mentioned , for it is only from these , that the the Kohanim come , , thus including any children that might be born to them . But any already living grand-children , would not be included as Kohanim , but would remain Levites . Pinchas , Elazar's son , was later appointed , directly from HaShem .
HaShem Commanded that vestments of sanctity be made for Aharon , " for glory and splendor . " It states ' specifically ' to show that for every new Kohein Gadol , new vestments had to be made . It was " for glory and splendor " which are terms usually referred to a king , for the Kohein Gadol had to look royal and majestic , shining pure for his people . The story is told of a person who wanted to convert , and he went to Shammai and told Shammai he wants to convert just because he wants to wear the majestic garments of the Kohein Gadol and Shammai , chased him away with a yardstick , for one is supposed to have a pure motive in converting to Judaism . The man then went to Hillel , who decided to teach him the Hebrew Alphabet and then slowly to read a bit of Torah and referred to the verse that states in Torah that any non-Kohein who wears the holy vestments , will be put to death . The man realized that not only a convert , but even a born Jew who isn't a Kohein Gadol , cannot wear the vestments and thus realized , that it is beautiful enough , to be a Jew and so he became a convert . These vestments were to be " of glory and splendor , " to display the high position of purity , that is the station of the Kohein Gadol , in ministering to HaShem .
HaShem Instructed the following garments to be made for the Kohein Gadol . An Ephod was to be made of gold , turquoise , purple and scarlet wool and twisted linen with a woven design . It was like a wrap around for the top area , with two shoulder straps and on these two straps were to be put two Shoham Stones and on these stones , were to be engraved , the Twelve Tribes of Israel , six on each , in the order of their birth . These stones were to be emplaced on the two shoulder straps of the Ephod as "remembrance stones " for the Children of Israel . Remembrance stones of what , one would ask . There were two stones , so they were like a representation of the Two Stones of the Ten Commandments ( Yalkut MeAm Loez ) , and thus as we all said " Na'aseh Ve Nishmah , " - " We will do and we will listen , " agreeing to keep the Torah at Har Sinai , so were these two stones a reminder and remembrance of that Holy Event and our Pledge to HaShem . Also , I think that we are always to remember Moshe , and so " Shoham " Stones were used , for The Hebrew word " Shoham " has the letters " Shin , Hei and Mem , " and these letters ( Yalkut MeAm Loez ) make up also the word " Moshe . "
Each garment of the Kohein Gadol , represented an atonement for some sin that a person could commit . The Ephod , according to Yalkut MeAm Loez and Midrash , atoned for the sin of idolatry . For Idolaters would wear a chest garment while performing their cults , so the Kohein Gadol , wearing a garment with straps , would atone for this sin .
HaShem Instructed that the Choshen Mishpat , the Breastplate of Judgement be made , onto which the twelve precious stones would go , each one representing a specific Tribe , for specific reasons . The stones on there were : - for Reuvein , the Stone Odem , which was a Ruby , which when ground would help barrenness, just like the mandrakes that Reuvein brought for his Mother , in Bereishis - Genesis . For Simeon , was the stone Pitdah - Emerald , which protects against sexual immorality , for it was Zimri from this Tribe , that committed the Aveirah , later on in Torah , with the Midianitess . For the Tribe of Levi , was the Stone Barekes - Crystal , where the word ' Barak ' means ' Lightning ' like lightning sparks of holy learning and wisdom and intelligence, which this stone would help increase , just like the Levites who were the Teachers of Israel at the time - Devarim Deuteronomy 33:10 . For the Tribe of Yehudah , was the stone Nophech - Carbuncle , which gave assistance to defeat enemies . For the Tribe of Yissaschar , the stone Sapir - Saphire , being the colour of the blue sky and the heavens , for this stone protected the sanctity of the eyes and body and helped keep peace , like the Torah , for this Tribe was filled with its Torah Scholars , while the Tribe of Zevulun , worked to support it , thus both got the shared Kavod of each other . The Tribe of Zevulun , had the Stone Yahalom - Pearl ( some think it was a diamond ) , which brought success in business , for Zevulun lived by the sea shores and dealt in trade . For the Tribe of Dan , was the Stone Leshem - Topaz , which had the upside down face of a man within it , for from this Tribe would come the Judge Shimshon and the upside down face of a man , was to represent that a Judge must not look up at the litigants in front of him at their wealth or poverty , but must treat them equally , without prior seeing and judgement, just like an upside down face that doesn't look at the people directly and tries to hide itself from judging by the physical . Also , within the name of this stone is the word " La Shem " - " To HaShem , " for their strength must always be for the sake of HaShem to HaShem. And their deeds to be " Lasheim HaShamaim " - " For the sake of Heaven . " For the Tribe of Naphtali , the Stone Shevo - Turquoise , which helps with speed , especially riding , for this Tribe is known for its speed , which Naphtali had to show , when he had to quickly run back to Egypt , to bring the title deed of the Cave of Machpelah , when they were laying Yaakov to rest , and Eisav came and disputed it . For the Tribe of Gad , the stone Ach'lamah - Calf Eye ( some say a Crystal ) , which gives courage and dispels fear and worry and anxiety during war , for Gad would go out to war , in total trust of HaShem , having no fear and destroying those who worshiped idols . For the Tribe of Asher , the Stone Tarshish , which was like perfectly clear oil , and thus related to the olive trees and their oil , that was this Tribe's Blessing - Bereishis Genesis 49:20 . For Yosef , the Stone Shoham - Onyx ( some say Emerald ) , for it causes its bearer to be liked by all around them , which was certainly suitable with Yosef . And the Stone for the Tribe of Binyamin , Yashfeh - Jasper , for this stone had the ability to stop bleeding , which is exactly what Binyamin did , by not exposing his brothers to what they did to Yosef , which would have caused bloodshed . The word " Yashfeh " also can be separated into the Hebrew words " Yesh , " and " Peh " which means " there is a mouth " but keep silent and don't loshon , as Binyamin kept silent and didn't loshon his brothers ( Yalkut MeAmLoez ) .
On the Choshen Mishpat - Breatplate of Judgement , were four rows of three stones , to remember our Three Fore-Fathers and Four Fore- Mothers . The Breastplate was to be made in such a way , that it would actually be folded over in half , and worn on the chest area , close to the heart , where HaSham Likes To Sit . Within this fold , would be placed the Urim Ve Tumim , and this would sit on Aharon's heart when he came before HaShem and it was for Aharon , to wear the Judgement of the Children of Israel constantly before HaShem . But what was the Urim And - Ve the Tumim . We notice that this particular holy object , no one was told to make , as if it was just presented from HaShem , and that is exactly what was the case , for the " Urim " which has the word " Ohr " - " Light " and " Tumim " which has the word " Tam " which means " Completeness " referred to Something that was filled with Lightness and Connected to the Ultimate Completeness and thus the Urim and the Tumim was HaShem's Name of the Tetragrammaton , the full Name of HaShem , that HaShem Used , to Make Certain things , and so did Moshe write this Name and It was put between the folds of the Choshen Mishpat . This could only be used to question , by a King , the Nation or by one who asked for the sake of the community . A person would ask the question , and the letters of the Names of the Tribes , inscribed by the Shamir worm , would light up in different patterns to give an answer . The Breastplate Choshen , atoned for the sin of the miscarriage of Justice , for it was related to Judging and Answering . Such a sin , can break a community , so the honesty and integrity of an honest Torah Judge , can make a community .
The Me'iI - Robe , was to be totally of turquoise wool . It was to cover the length of the body of the Kohein Gadol , with an opening at the top for the head to fit through and an opening at the bottom , but a full closed garment was it to be all around. At it's bottom , was to be 72 pomegranates alternating with 72 bells , referring to the 72 shades of white that would show up as a metzorah for the sin of Loshon Horah and so the Robe , was an atonement for the sin of Loshon Horah - Evil Speech . The bells make a sound , just as the voice does , but they are put on the bottom of the Robe , just as one's speech must be humble and low and not brash or arrogant and not slanderous . The Pomegranates have their seeds within , and is known to have 613 seeds , just as the 613 Mitzvos that we Jews are to keep . The seeds being within , are thus hidden from view , just as our speech should be hidden from view , in the way of not talking about others . Thus the Robe did Atone for Loshon Horah .The bells that would tinkle , when the Kohein Gadol entered and exited the Holy of Holies , was there for a very specific reason . Within the Holy of Holies , sometimes Malachim Angels would be there , and their holy presence could very well take the life of the one entering . So at the sound of these bells on the bottom of the Me'iI , they were to leave the Holy of Holies , so that the Kohein Gadol could enter safely and not get hurt .
Then HaShem Commanded That The Tzitz Head-Plate be made of pure gold and on it was to be engraved " Kodesh La A-d-nai " - " Holy to HaShem . " It was for the atonement of forgiveness of sins for sacred offerings and also atoned for the sin of Azus Panim - Sin of Arrogance . In Pirkei Avos it says , " The Arrogant will go to Gehinnom while the bashful will go to Gan Eiden " Avos 5:23 . We must be forever humble before HaShem .
HaShem Then Commanded on the making of the Ketones - Tunic of linen in a box-like knit . The Tunic atoned for murder where there were no witnesses , just like we remember the Tunic of Yosef that was dipped in blood . The Michnasayim - Pants were to be made and atoned for the sin of sexual immorality .
A Linen Turban Mitznefes was to be made and wound around the head of the Kohein Gadol . This atoned for the sin of pride . Again humility being the path ot Heaven and closeness with HaShem . For the Kohein Gadol , the Turban was more pointed and for an ordinary Kohein - Kohein Hedyot , the Turban was rounded . A Sash - Belt - Avneit was to be made , which atoned for evil thoughts . The Belt was 32 amos long and wound around the Ketones . The number 32 is also the same Gematrical value as the word ' Lev ' - ' Heart ' and thus did this Belt Sash Avneit atone for sins of the heart . ( Midrash Shemos Rabbi Weissman ) .
Not as many " Bigdei " - " Garments - Vestments " were to be made for ordinary Kohanim Hedyot , for the Kohein Hedyot , four vestments were to be made , but for the Kohein Gadol , eight vestments were to be made , specially for the Kohein Gadol .
HaShem then Commands about the Seven day Inauguration Ritual for Aharon and his sons to be inaugurated into the Priesthood and Torah continues with the offerings made for this period and also the Tamid offering .
The Parsha ends with the Commandments about the Incense Altar and how it was to have its incense offered every morning and evening and this was also to stay any plague that could come upon us When HaShem Was Upset with us .
HaShem Wants from us a great holiness and purity . With love , by following HaShem's Commandments , we can give HaShem What He Wants . As Aharon had to continually light the Menorah and thus let us be a part of the Holiness of HaShem , That Goes out to the World , so can we continually work for HaShem , in being for HaShem , a vessel , from which HaShem's Light Can Flow . But we need to be pure and holy first . Every Mitzvah we do , every Mitzvah we keep , brings us ever closer to HaShem . Ever closer to HaShem's Wish for His Creation . We are His Servants , to bring the rest of the World to His Light . Every day , evening and morning are we , within ourselves , to kindle HaShem's Light Within us all , to shine out into Creation . Each time we don't do a Commandment , we dampen and darken the World . The more that disobey , the darker the world becomes . If we look around us today , we feel the darkness , that we make , by not following HaShem Whole-heartedly . We can feel HaShem's Displeasure with us . We need to stop following false ways . We need to stop following man made paths . We need to stop making up our own rules and we need to stop following our own wishes and paths that won't lead anywhere . We have A Guide of Life , That Always Shines Through and Lights the World Around us , And That Will Dispel all this darkness , that not keeping the Commandments brings . For HaShem's " Tetzaveh " - " Commands " are HaShem's Pathway for us , to the Eternal Light of Shamaim . That Light is the Light of HaShem's Torah - The Everlasting Light that Carries us to HaShem , that contains HaShem's " Tetzaveh , " - " Commands . " Let us all grasp hold of it and make ourselves vessels for HaShem's Holy Light to once and for all , light up Creation , and destroy the Amaleks of the generations , and finally bring HaShem's Creation to it's intended destination , when the whole World will be full of Light , and with our accomplished purity and holiness , will we finally be true vessels for HaShem's Light , by keeping HaShem's " Tetzaveh " - " Commands " and thus will we be Servants of HaShem HaKadosh Baruch Hu . HaShem The Holy One Blessed Be He .
I wish HaShem With Eternal Love , A Beautiful And Sweet Shabbos Kodesh With Love and a Chag Purim Sameach With Love , and to all my fellow Jews , a Beautiful Sweet Shabbos Kodesh with love and Chag Purim Sameach with love . Shabbat Shalom to all of Creation .
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