Holy Ark

The most fascinating vessel in the Mishkan and Beit Hamikdash is the ארון קודש, the Holy Ark.

It is from the ארון between the כרובים, Cherubs, that the Divine Presence descends. It is the symbol of absolute holiness.

There is some debate as to whether the Torah that Moshe Rabbeinu wrote, was inside the ark, or was placed on a special shelf. It is agreed that the broken tablets as well as the second tablets received by Moshe, were placed in the ark.

The כרובים were quite magical. Although made of gold, the pure faces of a male and female child would either look at one another, or turn away. The same was true of the wings of the כרובים. At times, the wings of the two cherubs, would touch, and at other times, fold and be distant.

These wondrous movements, were to be indicators if Hashem was pleased with the Jewish people or not.

There was no ארון קודש in the second Temple. It was hidden somewhere in Jerusalem to this very day. It is told that only one or two people in each generation, know where the ark is hidden. If you think you are one of those people, you’re not!

What an amazing sight it will be, if we are blessed to see the actual ark of Shlomo Hamelech’s Temple.

Shaul-Shmuel

This year we have many oddities in the Jewish calendar. We had a Friday fast day on עשרה בטבת. We will have Erev Pesach on Shabbat. And we are about to experience a three day Purim, known as פורים משולש.

Because our Jerusalem Torah reading this Shabbat is for Purim, we will recite the identical Haftarah as the one we read last Shabbat.

There must be an important message regarding this particular Haftarah. Shmuel gave Shaul very specific orders to destroy Amalek. Shaul was weak and feared public opinion over following the words of the prophet.

What is extremely striking is the dialogue between Shmuel and Shaul. Shmuel appears to be expressing his great disappointment in Shaul. He truly loved him and had so much hope and faith in his potential. In exasperation Shmuel says, ולמה לא שמעת בקול ה׳, “And why didn’t you listen to the voice of Hashem?”

In other words, “You, Shaul, could have had it all. You only needed to fear G-d more than you feared man, and you would have achieved greatness. Your lack of faith and fear of man, will be your undoing.”

There is an obvious lesson in this tragedy. Greatness awaits us all if we will only trust in G-d.

תחש

One of the materials used to build the Mishkan was עורות תחשים, the skins of the תחש. It is not really clear what type of animal the תחש was. Some describe it as a kind of seal, while others a kind of goat.

There is also some debate as to whether the תחש was in the category of חיה, a non-domesticated animal, and therefore, forbidden as a קרבן, or, a בהמה, and sacrifice worthy.

We know it had to be a kosher animal. Otherwise, its skins would not be used to make curtains. It is assumed that it was around during the forty years in the desert, and ultimately became extinct. This assumption is made based on the fact that it was not enumerated among the kosher animals.

Like the שמיר that was a magical type of worm used to cut rock in Solomon’s Temple, Hashem made the תחש available to help complete the Mishkan.

When these magical animals had served their purpose, they no longer existed.

Accepting a Wayward Son

As a result of a Mishna in בבא בתרא, the question of disowning or sitting Shiva for a child marrying a non-Jew, came up.

The Mishna advised that a father should not take his son out of his will, if the son does not act in a proper manner. The Gemara is not exactly clear what that means, but marrying out would certainly qualify as behavior that would cause heartache to the father.

The most famous story of a father disowning his son was Rabbeinu Gershom, a little over a thousand years ago. His son had converted to another religion, which caused him to sit Shiva for him.

The ציץ אליעזר discussed this question and said that although this is only a Minhag, a custom, a two week mourning period is in order. The first week is to mourn for the body, and the second week, to mourn for the soul.

More contemporary authorities have written, that the situation has changed due to the plague of intermarriage that has deeply affected our people.

Therefore, it is no longer advised to abide by this Minhag, and we should leave the door open for our wayward children to come home.

This must be done with great care and diplomacy. We must never condone intermarriage, but at the same time, pray that our lost Jews return to Hashem.

The Power of צדקה

Shavua Tov. Today’s פרשת תרומה, emphasizes the importance of being generous and charitable. It also is meant to show the power of giving Tzedaka.

From the wording of the Torah, we see the importance of “how” to give. The Pasuk says that we are to collect donations from each person אשר ידבנו ליבו, that gives from the heart. Tzedaka loses its power when one gives begrudgingly. He must give it with the best of intentions.

We must also remember that צדקה תציל ממות, that charity saves one from death. Its power is so great that it is capable of changing Heavenly decrees in our favor. If צדקה can save us from death, it can also help us with other difficulties sent our way.

We should do our best to give what we can according to Halacha, and investigate that we be certain our funds go to very real, worthy charities. There truly is great joy in giving, as well as great protection.

תרומה ועמלק

This Shabbat we read both פרשת תרומה as well as פרשת זכור. There is a Pasuk in קהלת that describes how Hashem creates opposites in this world.

We first read תרומה that describes incredible generosity of the Jewish people in donating towards the Mishkan. Rav Elie Munk wrote how this was indicative of Jewish philanthropy throughout history. Jews work together to be sure that there is strong Jewish education, synagogues, Yeshivot, Mikvas, and helping the poor.

Contrast this generosity to Amalek that epitomized all that was evil. They would tear down and demoralize for no reason.

We must realize that there are two poles in this world. We must be aggressive towards staying to the side of good, the side of תרומה and distance ourselves from Amalek as represented by פרשת זכור.

Holiness and Kosher Food

Rav Shlomo Mann זצ״ל pointed out that the Torah begins with the words, ואנשי קדש תהיון לי, that you are meant to be holy men. This is followed by the prohibition against eating meat that is defined as טריפה.

This refers to a kosher animal slaughtered properly, but found to be diseased. We are commanded to discard this meat and give it to the dog.

Rav Mann views this as proof that what we put into our bodies, has an immediate effect on the level of holiness we can achieve.

The Tanya adds that it’s very easy to understand why a person has impure thoughts if he is consuming all kinds of impure animals and food. Such food is מטמטם את הלב, makes the heart foolish.

So we see that holiness is directly connected with the food we consume. Judaism brings one to holiness, provided that he follows Kashrut laws meticulously.

מדבר שקר תרחק

Among the various laws mentioned in פרשת משפטים, is the simple command, מדבר שקר תרחק, that we are to stay away from a false matter.

This is the source from which we learn the importance of being truthful in all matters. Not only are we not allowed to tell a lie, but we are also not allowed to even tell a “white” lie.

Rav Dovid Grossman of Migdal Or, quoted a humorous Gemara that told the story of a man married to a very contrary woman. Whenever he asked for something, she consistently gave him the opposite of what he asked.

Rather than argue with his wife, the husband began “asking” for the opposite of what he wanted, so that he ended up with what he really wanted in the first place!

For this, he was reprimanded, because he allowed himself to act in a deceitful manner. Such behavior on the husband’s part, also fell under the category of מדבר שקר תרחק.

Source for פיקוח נפש

The Gemara in מסכת יומא explains that we can learn the principle of פיקוח נפש דוחה שבת, that a situation of danger, overrides Shabbat observance, from the case of מחתרת.

The case of מחתרת, refers to the permission granted to shoot and kill a thief who breaks into your home at night when you are home. The assumption is that he is armed because he prepares himself if you wake up and catch him. This is not the case by a thief who breaks in during the day, who assumes you are not home. You may not kill him.

The Gemara says that in the מחתרת case where there is a doubt if the thief is coming for money or coming to physically harm, and although shedding blood is very serious, permission is granted to save yourself. Then certainly regarding Shabbat where one is very ill and in possible danger, that one may violate Shabbat in order to save that person.

This is a source for פיקוח נפש דוחה שבת.

עבד נרצע

The Torah speaks of the עבד עברי, the Hebrew slave, who is sold into slavery because he is found to be a thief. If the עבד decides that he likes his master and wants to remain as a slave, he becomes an עבד נרצע, a slave whose ear is pierced.

The reason for the ear piercing is explained in the Gemara in קידושין. This individual who heard the commandment on Mount Sinai not to steal, disobeyed that commandment.

The Gemara explains further that if he sells himself into slavery, he has violated the Pasuk that says כי לי בני ישראל עבדים, that we are meant to be servants of G-d and not servants of man. Because he didn’t listen, we piece his ear.

This case in the Torah is meant to serve as a reminder that we are to be careful to remain free men and not become imprisoned to our work, technology, or any obsession. The Rabbis tell us, אין לך בן חורין אלא מי שעוסק בתורה, the only true free man, is one who occupies himself with the study of Torah.

G-d’s Laws-Not Man’s Laws

Shavua Tov. Parshat משפטים is a continuation of Parshat יתרו in that we are given over fifty Mitzvot that mostly deal with running a society in a civil manner.

Rabbi Elie Munk in קול התורה emphasizes the point that only laws given by G-d are able to endure. History has proven that man made laws do not last over time.

Rabbi Munk explains that we cannot depend on man’s heart over Divine guidance. Man has limited understanding of himself and others. There is a real difficulty in man’s objective ability.

It is important to emphasize that Judaism is both a democracy and theocracy. Majority rule needs to be monitored so that it does not cross the line of what is morally right and wrong.

This clearly explains why the world is in such turmoil where there is so much confusion as to what is right and wrong, and what is good and evil.

Only G-d’s laws as expressed in the Torah, give the world stability and balance. Man made laws never meet society’s challenges. It’s time for the world and the Jewish people to accept this as absolute truth.

Shekalim-Three Torahs

This Shabbat is very unusual in that we read from three Torahs. The first is for the weekly Parsha, משפטים, the second for Rosh Chodesh, and the third for פרשת שקלים. This can only happen on Chanuka or on פרשת החודש for the month of Nissan.

Shekalim describes the annual obligation to participate in pay dues of a half shekel, that was used for Temple maintenance and the payment for public sacrifices.

This was always done in the month of Adar, where tables were set up all over Israel by Temple representatives to collect this מחצית השקל.

The גזבר, or Temple treasurer, played a major role in seeing that all בית המקדש activities run smoothly. He took care of repairs, donations, and payments to the staff.

He also needed to make sure that all Shekalim from the previous year were used up by Rosh Chodesh Nissan.

Parshat Shekalim is the symbol of the upcoming joyous holidays of Purim and Pesach. G-d willing, it should represent for us an end to the dark winter and an end to sickness and suffering. It is a sign that the Redemption is coming!

Don’t Waste Time

In connection with the Mitzva of observing Shabbat, there is an additional Mitzva of, “Six days shall you labor.”

There are those who count this as one on the 613 commandments. Chazal go as far as to say that בטלה מביא לידי מיתה, that idleness can bring one to death. The Rabbis in Pirkei Avot say יפה תלמוד תורה עם דרך ארץ. The study of Torah is meant to be accompanied by working. When one has nothing to do with himself, he is likely to get into trouble.

A huge problem in the Western world, is too much money and too much leisure time. This boredom leads one to sin.

In addition to boredom and wasting time, it can even be dangerous not to stimulate one’s mind. It is extremely important to study subjects where we need to use our minds. The study of Talmud is ideal for this purpose.

During Corona, one must make an extra effort to find positive activities that are productive and stimulate the mind. This can also be a fulfillment of “six days shall you labor.”

Honest Judges

Yitro is known for his advice to Moshe regarding the appointment of judges. He felt that his son in-law was overworked, and needed to learn how to delegate work.

In all, 78,600 men were appointed to be judges in one capacity or another.

The description of the judges was that they were to be of the highest moral standards. They were to be men of truth, and men of valor. They were also meant to be שונאי בצע, those who hated bribes. Rashi adds that they were to be שונאים ממונם בדין, that they hated their own money, when it calm to judgement. They were to be people who were not influenced by money.

It appears that this is the most important character trait a judge or public figure should have. Ideally, one should already be a person of means, before taking on such positions.

Too often, politicians in particular, use their position as a means to gain wealth. If this is the case, their objectivity is deeply hampered. It is interesting that Yitro realized these obstacles. It would be wise, if this advise would be adhered to today.

Honoring Parents

Rav Elazar Abuchatzeira זצ״ל discussed the Mitzva of כיבוד אב ואם, honoring parents. Despite the explanation of the ספר החינוך, that we fulfill this Mitzva by showing הכרת הטוב, gratitude, to our parents for all they have done for us, there is more to be said.

Rav Joseph Soloveitchik further endorsed this explanation of the חינוך, by saying that the mourning period for parents is a full year, rather than thirty days, because of הכרת הטוב.

Nevertheless, Rav Elazar felt that the key words mentioned in the Pasuk about honoring parents, was, כאשר צוך, “as I commanded you.” We must never lose sight of the fact that all Mitzvot are גזירת המלך, a decree of the King.

If we honor our parents solely because of הכרת הטוב, we will not receive the reward of long life. It will only come when we also acknowledge the כאשר צוך aspect of the Mitzva.

Whether we agree with a given Mitzva or not, the כאשר צוך aspect, shows complete הכנעה, surrender, to the decrees of the King. For that sacrifice and commitment, we receive the greatest rewards.

Neglected Children

Rabbi Elie Munk in קול התורה, writes a pretty surprising commentary about Moshe Rabbeinu. He claims that Moshe’s two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, were somewhat neglected by their father.

Aharon insisted that their mother, Tzippora, take them back to Midian before Egypt was smitten with the Ten Plagues.

A further proof of this assumption comes from Rashi’s comment on the words, מן ההר אל העם, that Moshe went directly from the mountain to the people. His devotion to the people was so great, that he didn’t worry about his personal affairs, but went directly to serve the Jewish people.

It does seem plausible that when one holds an important public position, that his family is often neglected. But I’m not sure that such an accusation can be made against the greatest man that ever lived. On the one hand, he was human. But it is difficult to imagine that his sons were not influenced and inspired by their father.

Yitro’s Truth

Shavua Tov. Parshat Yitro tells us how Moshe’s father in-law came to be convinced of the truth of Judaism, and eventually converted.

Yitro uses the words, עתה ידעתי, “now I know.” We are told that he investigated every possible worship or religion that existed in those days, and was absolutely convinced that Judaism was the one and only true religion.

Throughout history, numerous individuals have followed this path, seeking truth. When one is on this journey, he will end up embracing Judaism.

The same has been true of religious debates that have taken place over the years. Jews were always victorious over such debates. The only problem was that when they won, they were often put to death for showing up the prevalent beliefs of that time.

What must be made abundantly clear is that truth is not relative. There is only one truth in this world. And that is Hashem and the Torah.

Greatest Day Ever

This week we read פרשת יתרו. In it, we have a description of the greatest day ever witnessed by mankind. The Revelation at Mount Sinai, where every Jew heard G-d speak, and each individual was elevated to the level of an Angel.

The Jewish people as a whole, were on the same level as Adam before the sin in Gan Eden.

Had they not fallen by worshipping the Golden Calf, death would have been abolished forever.

Judaism is the one and only true religion because it began with this great miracle of speaking with G-d. We are to remember this day all the days of our lives. We are to see ourselves as though we also stood at Sinai.

This event, coupled with the open miracles in Egypt, were designed to eliminate all doubt as to how we are to believe, and what our purpose is in this world.

And the greatest gift of all, was our receiving the Torah, that was to be the beacon of light to help guide the Jew, and all of mankind, to act in a positive upright manner. Indeed, this was the greatest day ever witnessed by mankind.

Honesty in Business

After the splitting of the Red Sea, Moshe Rabbeinu assures עם ישראל that if they observe the Mitzvot and והישר בעיניו תעשה, and you do that which is upright in the eyes of Hashem, you will not experience all of the sickness of Egypt, for Hashem is the true healer.

The מכילתא comments on the words, והישר בעיניו, and said that one who does business in an honest fashion, it’s as if he observed the entire Torah.

Being honest in business allows one to observe the entire Torah, because an honest individual is confronted with major challenges both between man and man, and man and G-d.

If he meets these challenges, he will, inevitably end up observing all of the Torah. We must never minimize the importance of dealing honestly with our fellow man, in matters of business.

No Amalekite Converts

Regarding Amalek, there is a somewhat surprising commentary from the מכילתא. In the name of רבי אליעזר it is said, that Hashem swore in the name of His כסא הכבוד, throne of glory, that if any Gentile comes from any part of the world, we are to accept them as part of עם ישראל. However, if that individual is a descendant of Amalek, we reject his intention to convert.

I often use our openness to accept anyone to become part of the Jewish people, as proof that Judaism is not racist. All we need to do is verify that his intentions are sincere, and he becomes a Jew. His shape, size, and color, is irrelevant to us.

Nevertheless, when it comes to an Amalekite, he is not welcome and is turned away.

We must be aware that there exists real evil in this world. The essence of Amalek was pure evil. Unlike others who yearn to become part of the holiness of the Torah and the Jewish people, the Amalekite is not capable of achieving this holiness.

Perhaps we can find some comfort in the fact that there are no longer Amalekites in the world. But the awareness of the concept of Amalek must be realized, so that we are still able to blot out even the memory of Amalek.