Pekudei – The Tree of Life

parasha Pekudei 5784

“And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony; as the L-RD commanded Moses.” – Exodus 40:21, JPS 1917 Tanach

The paroches (partition) separated between the area where the Ark was kept and the less holy area of the Mikdash (sanctuary). Consider the variety of materials used, “blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen; with cherubim the work of the skillful workman shall it be made” (26:31, JPS 1917 Tanach). According to the Talmud, the craftsmen “embroidered the place where they had designed” (Yoma 72b). Thus, first a pattern was made on the material, then they embroidered the design.

Our thoughts are woven together, forming a tapestry in this life. The nature of our thoughts will determine the quality of the tapestry. Our thoughts surface first in our mind; these thoughts may be likened to a pattern that is based upon our soul; therefore, the design that is eventually woven in our lives is a reflection of who we are.

Yet, our personalities may often influence the overall design of our soul, either positively or negatively, dependent on what kind of thoughts occupy our minds. If only the true light of the soul could shine through, irrespective of our own limiting factors, then the woven result would reflect that light.

This has to do with the basic mechanism of the soul, inasmuch that our lower nature may interfere with our higher aspirations. Therefore, like skilled crafts-persons, we need to discern positive from negative, right from wrong, and light from darkness, so that we can weave a pure tapestry.

Additionally, consider that in regard to our thoughts, the tapestry we weave separates to some degree, between our inner sanctuary (the depths of our mind), and the persona we present to the world. Only behind the paroches (partition) of our soul, i.e., behind our thought life, we may connect on an intimate level with HaShem, whose presence appeared upon the Ark cover, between the two golden cherubim, behind the paroches (veil).

Clouds of Darkness

motzei Shabbos: parashas Pekudei 5782

“And the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the L-RD filled the Mishkan.” – Exodus 40:33

After Moses set up the Mishkan, and put the outside screen to the entrance of the courtyard in place (Exodus 40:32), the cloud of glory hovered over the Tent of Meeting, and filled the Mishkan (see above). Thus, when the cloud rested upon the Tent of Meeting, and H’Shem’s Presence filled the Mishkan, Moshe was unable to enter (Exodus 40:34). The same phenomenon occurred when King Solomon inaugurated the first Beis haMikdash (Temple structure). At that time, the kohanim were unable to remain in the sanctuary, because “the cloud had filled the House of the L-RD” (1 KIngs 8:10-11, JPSN). Thus, the parallel exemplifies the phenomenon mentioned elsewhere, “clouds and darkness are round about Him” (Psalms 97:2, JPS 1917 Tanach).

In our own lives, when our path is obscured, figuratively speaking, by darkness, may we continue to place our trust in H’Shem, to bring us safely through the obscurity to our destination. Additionally, if we seem stuck at a certain madreiga (level) in regard to our connection to H’Shem, may we be brought to a greater understanding in due time, according to His will and timing. Eis ratzon – at a favorable time. Finally, in acknowledgment of our brethren in Ukraine, and all of the Ukranian people facing unprecedented challenges in their lives, at this time, may we keep them in our prayers. And, may they be led to safety if having decided to flee, and kept safe if sheltering in place within the cities.

Sacred Blessing

new audio: parashas Pekudei 5782

“It came to pass in the first month, in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the Mishkan was set up.”– Exodus 40:16

After the Exodus from Egypt, the B’nei Yisrael ascended over a period of forty-nine days on their way to Sinai. How was this journey an ascent? Figuratively speaking, they had ascended from the forty-ninth level of impurity, over the course of forty-nine days, wherein they were able to make an account of their souls (tikkun hanefesh) to H’Shem. The Torah records that Moshe requested that B’nei Yisrael prepare themselves for receiving the commandments three days ahead of time. However, tradition holds that the refinement of their souls, through introspection of their character, began at the outset of the Exodus, continuing for a period of forty-nine days.

Had they remained at their new level, acquired over this period of time, the Mishkan (Tabernacle) would have not been necessary, because they would have all been pure vessels, so to speak, capable of receiving H’Shem’s Presence, the Shechinah within themselves. However, with their lapse into idolatry, upon the building of the golden egel (calf), they fell back into impurity, because of the idolatrous nature of their revelry (Exodus 32:19). Thus, Moses broke the tablets, for their righteousness had plummeted, and they were no longer worthy of receiving the Tablets.

Yet, on Sinai, during the forty days that Moses had spent in communion with H’Shem, he had received the divinely inspired plans for the Mishkan. And, this would serve for their atonement. So, a year later, upon the completion of the building of the Mishkan, Moshe blessed B’nei Yisrael, “And Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it; as the L-RD had commanded, even so had they done it. And Moses blessed them” (Exodus 39:43, JPS).