This week we read two Torah portions. In the first, “Vayakhel” Moses gathers the Jewish people and instructs them to observe the Sabbath and to contribute materials for the construction of the Temple.
In the second, “Pekudei”, the Temple is completed, and Moses inspects the work, while the Jews bring the materials they have donated to be used in the construction.
The Rebbe emphasizes the importance of everyone’s contribution to the building of the Tabernacle. He explains that each person has a unique role to play in the creation of a sacred space for G-d to dwell.
The Rebbe also notes that the Temple is not only a physical structure, but a metaphor for the human soul. Each element of the Temple represents a different aspect of the soul, and the process of building the Temple mirrors the process of perfecting oneself.
Additionally, the Rebbe emphasizes the importance of unity among the Jews in the construction of the Temple. Although each person has a unique role, we must work together as a team to achieve the common goal.
Furthermore, the Rebbe stresses the importance of leadership, as Moses is the one who coordinates the efforts of the people and ensures that everything is done according to G-d's instructions.
In our effort to grow, we too must employ within ourselves the steps that were taken in construction of the Temple.
Create a leader within yourself (the power of the mind to overcome physical limitations or obstacles) who will coordinate and organize it all, and unite all our feelings, emotions, skills, and abilities to work as a team to achieve the goal of bringing ourselves closer to G-d and G-d closer to ourselves.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Mendel & Elke Zaltzman
Directors
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David Goldberg, a seasoned doctor, turns to Harry Rabinowitz, the man seated next to him in the synagogue, and says, "Harry, you're an intelligent lawyer, I need your help."
The doctor begins his lament. "Every Shabbos," he says, "during the entire time of the service, people approach me seeking medical advice. This one has stomach pains, this one's wife woke up with a headache, this guy's mother-in-law's back hurts. I am just sick and tired of this. Shabbos is my only day of rest."
"Listen to me," says Harry. "Next guy that comes over, give him the advice he needs, but make sure to send him a bill for your medical advice the following week. I guarantee you," says Harry, "that in no time you will have peace and quiet in the synagogue."
"Great idea!" exclaims the doctor. He returns home in a great mood.
Tuesday, as David is opening the mail, he finds a bill from his friend Harry Rabinowitz.
WEEKLY eTORAH
In describing the people qualified to construct the Sanctuary and its instruments, the Torah repeatedly calls them "wise-in-heart" in referring to their skill. The craftsmanship these artisans possessed was more than technical, their wisdom was a special sort — that of the heart.
Some people are brilliant intellectually, their gifted minds master sciences, their logic and reasoning are unimpeachable. Despite these mind-gifts they may be cold, unsympathetic, unmoved by suffering. Others are kindlier, charitable, more emotional by nature, not particularly given to analysis and profound understanding. They may also be overindulgent, gullible, suspicious of or impatient with reasoning. While each sort has qualities, in extremes, or rather without tempering the initial and dominant characteristic, their deficiencies are grave.
The ideal is the wise-in-heart, proper balance between emotion and thought, feeling and reason. The qualities of learning and study, intellectual vigor, the scholar ideal, have always been glorified by our people. No matter how sincere the heart's emotions, they must be channeled, harnessed, and used. Torah inspires the heart in its search. Without Torah the most sublime emotion may degenerate into bathos or sentimental banality.
Similarly, exalted as the intellect may be, it cannot exclusively express the fullness of man. Emotional balance gives warmth and human substance to the mind's achievements. In Jewish terms it means that the true scholar, the disciple of Torah, is endowed with the emotions of love and awe of the Creator, sympathy for the lowly, affection for mankind. Such a person, the wise-in-heart, is qualified to create a Sanctuary for G‑dliness wherever he goes.
