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Rabbi Lipskar's weekly d'var torah
VAYAKHEL / PEKUDEI
This Shabbos we are privileged to have multiple, very powerful, spiritual elements intersect. 1) We read a double Portion Vayakhel and Pekudei, 2) We culminate the book of Shmos (Exodus) proclaiming Chazak Chazak V’ Nischazek! – Be strong, Be Strong and let us be strengthened, 3) We take out a second Torah for the special reading from Exodus regarding the first formal Mitzvah dictated by G-d, which is the sanctifying the New Moon of the first of the months in the monthly sequence of the year, namely the month of Nissan, the month of miracles, redemption and freedom.
Each of these elements connotes strength, miracles, holiness, power, gratitude and Blessings.
It is at the outset of this portion that we set the mission and overall objective for all of this.
Moses charges the children of Israel to build the Temple and make its vessels and ornaments. His directive for building a sanctuary for G-d is immediately prefaced by the laws of Sabbath. Though there are many reasons for placing the laws of Sabbath in this seemingly out of context place, on an internal level it teaches us an important lesson in our service to G-d.
The world consists of three basic dimensions: Time, Space and Being, each of which is necessary and compliments the other in our spatial, temporal universe.
The purpose of the Temple was, as is stated “To make a dwelling place for G-d in this world”. The Temple structure itself represented the presence of Divinity in the “space” element of the universe. Space is the most tangible of all of the aforementioned dimensions and we can therefore easily define the sanctification of space.
Time, which is a more intangible facet, must also be sanctified and become a dwelling place for G-dliness. In the same way as the Temple represented the most dynamic and obvious dwelling place for G-d in “space”, Sabbath represents the most obvious and dynamic abode for G-d in “time”. As we relate to the places, synagogues, and artifacts that help us identify with G-d and our tradition we all also required to dedicate times that fulfill the same purpose.
The third component, “being” refers to each of us who through our actions and behavior bring G-dliness and sanctification to Space and Time. In this way we encompass and permeate our physical world with G-dliness and purpose and allow for its intended sanctification.
Sabbath is the Temple of “time”, let us honor it and use it wisely, especially as this Mitzvah contains such a plethora of goodness and holiness that is so experientially visible to those who keep the Sabbath holy.
The first word of this portion presents the foundation and mandatory prerequisite to properly fulfill and benefit from all the aforementioned. V’Yakhel – “and he (Moses) congregated” the Jewish People and shared with them G-d’s directives. This word V’Yakhel is not a commonly used word for summoning and gathering a group. The more frequently used word would be V’Yeesaf – and he gathered. V’Yahkel is the verb for the noun Kehila – community – congregation. Kehila connotes a large group of individuals who form a singular unit – a community. This teaches us the fundamental need for unity, especially in this year of Hakhel.
It was critical for all of the Jewish People to join together as a totally unified community / family for Hashem to dwell among them and give them the special uniquely Jewish gift of Shabbos.
The 40-year sojourn in the desert was the only period in history when ALL Jews prayed in one Shul – the Mishkan.
It is that singularity that represents Hashem that brings us all of the blessing that come with our being holy and pure, while creating a dwelling place for Hashem and celebrating his day of rest.
Have a good Shabbos and a great week.
Sholom D. Lipskar
The Shul Pushka Campaign
It's the little things in life that count. G-d fills the world every moment with His divine energy. Tzedakah is one of the special and significant ways to create an all-encompassing Mitzvah, and in today's world, we need more Mitzvot than ever. It doesn't matter where or how much you give, just make Tzedakah part of your day.
The Shul provides beautiful Pushkas (charity boxes) to the community and to all those that would like to participate in the important Mitzvah of Tzedakah. To request a Shul Pushka please call The Shul Office at 305-868-1411 or fill out the form below.
To Learn More About The Meaning of Tzedakah Click Here
Jewish Holidays
All Jewish holidays begin the evening before the date specified on most calendars. This is because a Jewish "day" begins and ends at sunset, rather than at midnight. If you read the story of creation in Genesis Ch. 1, you will notice that it says, "And there was evening, and there was morning, one day."
From this, we infer that a day begins with evening, that is, sunset. Holidays end at nightfall of the date specified on most calendars; that is, at the time when it becomes dark out, about an hour after sunset.
UPCOMING JEWISH HOLIDAY
For more information Click here
Project 33154
Project 33154 is a community wide program to create a neighbor to neighbor Jewish experience. The initial case study started Chanuka 2002 where 10 young Yeshiva boys visited every home in Bay Harbor to identify which ones were Jewish and give them the necessary items (Menorah, Candles, Guides etc.) for the Holiday of Chanuka.
Over 250 Jewish Homes were identified together with a color coded map of Members, Non-Members and Unaffiliated Jews. Over the next Purim and Passover the same idea was used in the Surfside and Bal Harbour area and over 800 new Jewish homes were contacted and had a taste of The Shul.
Block Shluchim
Together with color coded map each neighborhood was split up into different areas that include a lay leader from The Shul.
Before each Yom Tov The Shul prepares a special food package which promotes holiday awareness.
Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Succot, Chanukah, Purim, Pesach andShavout
Every newly identified Jewish household in the Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands and Surfside areas has been contacted with thousands of Apples and Honey packages, Chanukah kits and Purim Mishloach Manos and food packages distributed this year.
Over 350 pounds of hand-made Shemurah Matzo (that’s about 2,450 pieces of matzah) has been distributed throughout 33154. If you are new on the 33154 area, please let us know so you can be included in this amazing and inspiring Jewish Program.
Send a letter to the Rebbe זי"ע
Throughout his lifetime, the Rebbe received hundreds of letters every day, from people of every conceivable background, occupation and faith. Today people continue to send letters to be placed at the Ohel for the Rebbe's guidance and intervention On High, in the age-old tradition of written prayer petitions at our holiest sites
Whether referring to one's own self or mentioning someone else's name in a letter, one should always include the name and mother's name (e.g. Isaac the son of Sarah) of both the one(s) who are in need of blessing and the signer.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/761128/jewish/Why-Use-the-Mothers-Name-When-Praying-for-Someone.html
http://www.ohelchabad.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/78445It is preferable to use one's Jewish name. (Customarily gentiles use their father's name.) Letters can be written in any language. You can fax directly to the Ohel at: (718) 723-4444 Or you can use the form below to have the rabbis at Ohel Chabad Lubavitch http://www.ohelchabad.org/templates/articlecco_cdo/aid/78445personally bring your prayers to the Rebbe’s resting place.
The Rebbe
The Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson of righteous memory, the seventh leader in the Chabad-Lubavitch dynasty, is considered to have been the most phenomenal Jewish personality of modern times. To hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of sympathizers and admirers around the world, he was -- and still is, despite his passing -- "the Rebbe."
Whether referring to one's own self or mentioning someone else's name in a letter, one should always include the name and mother's name (e.g. Isaac the son of Sarah) of both the one(s) who are in need of blessing and the signer.
Click Here to Know More Click Here.
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