The Torah portions of Vayakhel and Pekudei are usually read together. In some years (Jewish leap years in which an entire month is added to the calendar) they are read in two seperate weeks. The year 5752 was one such year.
Throughout the HaYom Yom there is much discussion about the setting up and printing of the Torah Ohr and Likkutei Torah. The Rebbe writes (Purim Katan): My revered grandfather, the Rebbe [Maharash], once told my revered father, the Rebbe [Rashab], “My father (the Tzemach Tzedek) chose the maamarim that appear in Likkutei Torah from two thousand maamarim [authored by the Alter Rebbe].”
One of the fascinating aspects of the Mitzva of Hakhel - which does not get much attention - is the fact that this Mitzva was the last Mitzva to be given over explicitly (as opposed to the mitzva of writing a Seifer Torah which is only alluded to in the p’sukim) to the Jewish people by Moshe Rabbeinu. As a matter of fact, it was given to the Jewish people on the day of the passing of Moshe.
In the center of the Gan HaTanach in Ariel, near the Eshel HaShomron Hotel, on a mountain which overlooks the grave of Yehoshua Bin Nun in Timnath Cheres, is a huge model of the Mishkan.* The only model of its kind in the world was constructed over a period of four years by craftsmen and experts, guided by Rabbi Menachem Makover. * In honor of the Shabbasos in which we read about the construction of the Mishkan, we spoke with Tuvia Gelbard, the man behind the project, and with R’ Makover, about what made them undertake this ambitious project, about the difficulties in executing it, and about the feedback.
In the earlier parsha of Truma, G-d gave Moshe instructions concerning the contributions for and the construction of the Mishkan. In this week’s parsha, Moshe gathered the Jewish people and gave them those instructions. But before doing so he instructed them concerning the Shabbos
Parshas VaYakhel contains Bitachon instructions for how to go about one’s work week, which has a domino effect on one’s Shabbos observance as well.
May Hashem yisbarech help that we will not need to rely on “let us render [for] bulls [the offering of] our lips.” Rather, the Rebbe himself, the Rebbe shlita, should lead us to greet Moshiach Tzidkeinu.
Although the Jews still remained subjects of the Persian Empire, the Purim miracle serves as the catalyst in exile for the unleashing of the ultimate Redemption when we will see the fulfillment of King Solomon’s declaration, “A woman of valor is the crown of her husband” through the feminine quality which will unleash the full revelation of the infinite Messianic G-dly light.
At first glance it is difficult to understand how the narrative of the production of the covers of the Sanctuary, which were spun from goat hair, is relevant to us. This was strictly a onetime activity necessary for the construction of the Sanctuary in the desert. It is something that is not even applicable to the Third Holy Temple (which won’t need to be fashioned on our part at all, for “it is built and stands ready, etc.”). * These wise women devoted their talents to making G-d’s Sanctuary notwithstanding the fact that it was within their capacity to utilize their special talents for their personal concerns instead…
Moshiach represents the introduction of a revolutionary measure of G-dly light and goodness into the world. It is called “the Shabbat of existence.” It is the ultimate manifestation of blessing that will engulf the world, bringing perpetual goodness, holiness and peace in its wake. However, to be receptive to the phenomenal blessing of Moshiach we need peace and unity that is based on genuine Ahavat Yisroel.
February 27, 2019