Thoughts that Count - A Collection Of Thoughts On The Parsha
Week Ending: Friday, March 12, 2010 - Shabbos Vayakhel-Pekudei, 26 Adar, 5770
Melbourne Shabbos begins: 7.27 pm (D.S.T.) -Shabbos ends: 8.22 pm (D.S.T.)

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Every one with a willing heart brought earrings and nose rings, and rings, and bracelets, every article of gold (Ex. 35:22)

Earrings: Jewish parents must listen to the Torah's directives concerning the Jewish education of their children. They should also overhear their children's conversations with their friends, in order to guide them properly. Nose rings: Parents should develop a keen sense of "smell" to make sure their children's playmates are appropriate. Rings: Parents must be able to "point" their children in the right direction. Bracelets: In addition to explaining things in a pleasant manner, parents must also stand firm (symbolized by the arm) when it comes to Jewish education. The child should always feel that this is his parents' priority.


(Likutei Diburim)


 

And Betzalel made the ark (Ex. 37:1)

Of all the components of the Sanctuary, why is Betzalel's name associated specifically with the ark? At different times in history, all of the other vessels were also fashioned by other people (i.e., for the First and Second Holy Temples; they will also be made for the Third Holy Temple when it is reestablished). However, there has always been only one ark, made by Betzalel. Although hidden away after the destruction, in the future it will be revealed.


(Meshech Chochma)


 

And Moses saw all the work... and Moses blessed them (Ex. 39:43)

According to the Midrash, what Moses saw was all the angels that had been created by the Jewish people's fulfillment of G-d's command to bring contributions for the Sanctuary, as it states: "He who does one mitzva acquires one advocate." Moses thus understood that the mitzva had been done with sincerity and pure intent, "and he blessed them"


(Birkat Shamayim)

Adapted and reprinted with the permission of Sichos In English
Pictures are  by Zalmen Kleinman