Recap for 6th of Adar II, 5774 (Parsha Vayikra)

This Shabbos David led the discussion, and we discussed why it is that there is repetition in the Torah.  An example of this is all the details that we performed in constructing the Tabernacle.  As readers of the Torah, we already know the details because they were listed out – why are they all repeated in a later Parsha?  We discussed 2 possible reasons.  First, because there is more that we can learn from these details.  And second, because by repeating the details we receive a form of positive re -enforcement.  By repeating the details in his Torah, Hashem lets us know that he is pleased with our work.

We discussed the upcoming holiday of Purim and what it means that we should get to the point that we can’t recognize the difference between Mordechai and Haman.  Physically, we can get to this point by drinking a lot of wine on Purim, while always making sure that we do not do anything unsafe or unhealthy.  But what we discussed that is interesting is getting to this point spiritually – getting to the point where we realize that everything comes from Hashem, including what is evil and bad, as well as good things, and what matters is our reaction to these things rather than the events themselves, to which we may not have any control.   We discussed how that which is bad can be good, and that which is good can be great, because we can be inspired to do mitzvah and grow from everything. 

We discussed some more how Purim can be the hardest holiday to successfully observe, because it is hard to get the meaning that corresponds to the physical things we are doing.  On Purim we want to reveal our true selves, and see the true selves of others.  It is said that people show their true selves when angry, when asked to donate money, when drinking, and when at play.  We try to encourage ourselves, to reveal our true selves with these activities over Purim.  As we are inclined towards some of these naturally, it is difficult to do them in a way that brings out the meaning of Purim.  That is why Purim is a hard holiday to successfully observe.

We discussed how the events surrounding Purim, during the time of Esther, brought in a new era in which Hashem seems to be more hidden.  Today we do not see splitting of seas and other obvious divine manifestations.  But when we ask ourselves certain questions, such as why are we still here, we can see that Hashem’s presence continues and never went away.  Against all odds, the Jews continue to exist, and flourish.  We continue to have a special relationship with Hashem, and a special mission. 

We discussed how we have a longing to latch onto something permanent.  For example, we prefer capital investments over contributions towards operational expenses.  And sometimes we have been misguided, worshipping physical objects such as the Golden Calf, rather than building tabernacles and worshipping Hashem in the manner he spelled out to us.  But for the most part, we have  carried out our mission and today our contributions to the world are everywhere and we are much more prominent than would be suggested by the small numbers that we make up.

This is a summary of what we discussed this past Shabbos. No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred