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Showing posts from March, 2021

A Pikudei Thought via The Nesivos Shalom

To consistently lead a religious life most of us need to rely on simple faith, and commitment to keeping G-d's commandments and our traditions. Once we are committed to the routines of Judaism we are sometimes blessed to then reach high levels of holiness and to be inspired from inside. So says the Nesivos Shalom. He also says that there are people who are exceptional and work more from their inside spiritual achievements, which then take them to adhering to their external faith in G-d. He says that Moshe Rabeinu was the latter kind of person and the order that he thought made sense for the Mishkan's construction represents this: First work on the inner vessels, and then the outer shell. Betzalel spoke for most people and said that the outer facade had to come first and then the inner furnishings could follow. And, Betzalel was agreeing with the order that G-d had said to use in making these things: First the outside, the the inner pieces. Moshe got that Betzalel was returning

Nesivos Shalom Kiyor-Tetzaveh

 We're commanded to make a sink/basin and all it should be of bronze.  And its purpose was to purify Aharon and his decendants and keep them alive in their service. Trumah speaks of the large vessels/furniture of the Mishkan, Tetzaveh was (with one exception) about clothing of the Kohanim.  But this portion goes back to a piece of furniture, which seems like it should have been in Trumah.  And why is it juxtaposed after the command to give a half a shekel to be counted. The Mishkan/Beit haMikdash corresonds to the standing form of a person with high - brain - Kodesh Kodashim, middle - heart - Heichal, lowest - Chatzeir - place of outer alter - lower organs. The Beit haMikdash flowed influenc to the part of a person it represented.  Thus, a fire always burned on the outer Mizbeach, fighting with holy fire the desirous fire of a person.  The Kiyor provided preparation before approaching the altar of the Beit HaMikdash.  It seems impossible that a human could approach The Divine.  Pre