Last year we discussed parsha Vayakhel at our kiddush and learning in Memphis. We discussed how it was that we were able to reach a high enough spiritual state, to receive instructions so soon after committing the sin of the Golden Calf. We discussed how we unified with a purpose, and were so motivated we could not stop making contributions.
This Shabbos at Beth David synagogue in Binghamton, NY, Rabbi Zev Silber gave commentary on the parsha Vayakhel-Pekudei, which adds to what we discussed last year. (Rabbi Adamit was also there, and will give words of Torah next Shabbos, and on alternating Shabbos)
In the parsha, Moses gathers us together and conveys to us once again all the details we are to follow in building the mishkan. Rabbi Silber commented that this brings up several questions. First of all, why would all of us need to be gathered, when only some of us would be actually building the mishkan? Secondly, wouldn’t it save a lot of time simply to refer us back to a previous parsha in which all these details were already given?
Rabbi Silber commented that Judaism is a religion in which everyone is included. Certainly the Torah is for everyone, not just for the leaders and elite. The mishkan was to take on the importance of Mt. Sinai - as a place in which we have the presence of Hashem. And although just some of us would be the actual construction workers for the mishkan, the details of such an important structure are words of Torah for us all.
To illustrate his point, Rabbi Silber commented how the chazzan is not someone who represents us, but someone who leads us. We each have an individual relationship with Hashem that grows closer as we study Torah, and carry out our mitzvah and purpose. Our Torah and religion is not for some of us, but for all.
The reason we were given all the details for constructing the mishkan a second time is to show that we were forgiven and ready to receive the details again. (Although we were forgiven, last year we did discuss how the sin of the Golden Calf has remained with us forever)
Moshe spent a long time convincing Hashem to change his mind and give us another chance. Rabbi Silber talked about how it was not only important that we heal our relationship with Hashem, we needed to heal our relationship with Moshe as well.
Rabbi Silber also discussed the question of why the observance of Shabbos is included in the parsha. Shabbos is included, to illustrate the importance of community. Shabbos is a day in which we all come together, the same way we all came together to hear the instructions from Moshe on building the Mishkan.
This Shabbos at Beth David, we also were honored to have a guest speaker, Rabbi Baron, who is a chaplain in the US military. He talked about the Jews who are in the armed forces, and how they tend to be scattered around, although minyans are available. It was very interesting to hear what it is like to be a Jew in the U.S. military, and also to have Rabbi Baron from the Temple Israel in Binghamton where I had my Barmitzvah.
Rabbi Baron talked about the strategies that were used in order to promote harmony amongst different religious groups. He talked about the peaceful coexistance between Jews and Christians who were use to living together. He talked about the importance that everyone get along and realize they are on the same American side.
This is a summary of what we discussed. No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.
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