LUXURIES AND NECESSITIES Why does the Torah devote so much detail to the construction of the Mishkan (the mobile Temple)? This is now the fourth consecutive Torah portion dedicated to its design and construction. Ramban (d. 1270) explains that there were actually two distinct commandments to build the Mishkan. The first came before the sin of the golden calf, when the Israelites gathered at Mount Sinai to receive the Torah. The Mishkan, with the Ark in the Holy of Holies, was meant to be a constant, tangible reminder of G-d’s presence, echoing the revelation at Sinai. However, after the Israelites...
HEAVY LIFTING When Rachie and I were first married, we lived in Jerusalem while I was studying at the Mir Yeshiva. One day, I arrived at an apartment building to visit a friend. At the same time, a van pulled up, and the driver proceeded to unload a fridge destined for a resident on the third floor. I stood, aghast, wondering how the driver, a middle-aged Russian oleh barely over five feet tall, would get the fridge up all those stairs without a lift. Could I offer to help? Should I? I would probably do my back in! Before I...
THE RADIANCE OF EXCELLENCE In the latest of a series of claims extolling the virtues of olive oil consumption, an article recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reported benefits to brain health, reducing the risk of dementia. Olive oil makes the headlines in this week’s parasha too. It begins with the commandment to kindle the Menorah in the Mishkan (mobile Temple.): “Command the Israelites to bring you pure olive oil, pressed for illumination, to kindle the lamp every night.” (Shemot 27:20). The Torah specifically prescribes olive oil for the Temple Menorah, and more than that, it...
GOING THROUGH THE DOOR At the beginning of our parasha, a curious law is described. A Hebrew slave who has served his six-year term is entitled to go free. If he chooses to remain in servitude, however, he must have his ear pierced. After the judges confirm that this is genuinely his wish, “his master shall take him to the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl; and after that he shall remain his slave forever” (Shemot 21:6), i.e., until the jubilee year. In contrast to other ancient societies where slaves were often branded upon entering servitude, the Torah...
JEWS AND GENTILES This week, a remarkable encounter took place at Buckingham Palace. It was the final stage of a conference between Muslim and Jewish leaders that had started at Dumlanrig Castle in Scotland. The summit culminated in the Dumlanrig Accord, a declaration promoting mutual respect and collaboration. Dr. Sayed Razawi, a senior Shia cleric, spearheaded the initiative, and King Charles invited the leaders to the palace to offer his blessing on the Accord. At a time when divisions often dominate the news, this meeting is a hopeful reminder that relationships can be built across religious differences. This spirit of...
