TETZAVEH

Tales for the Shabbos Table

This week's Torah portion tells us how the GARMENTS worn by the priests serving in the Tabernacle were made. But it ends on a very strange note; it tells us how the 'inner' altar (located in the 'Tent of meeting' and used for burning incense) was built.

Why wasn't this included in LAST week's section which deals with the VESSELS of the Tabernacle?

Furthermore, why were TWO altars necessary? Why not just burn the incense on the outer altar where the sacrifices were made?

Thirdly; this incense altar was made of Shittim wood with a thin coating of gold. How is it that the wood didn't burn, there was a fire burning on it for hours each day?!

And finally, what has this got to do with us now?

To answer all this here is a story.

Chassidim are supposed to be happy people; happy to be alive, happy to be Jews, happy they can serve G-d by learning His Torah and doing His commandments but most of all happy that they have a Rebbe who teaches them what to be happy about.

But Rabbi Gavriel was miserable. True, he was alive, Jewish, observant, a Chassid but nevertheless he was miserable and it showed.

Here is how it happened.

Years ago he had lived with his wife Chana Rivka in a fine mansion staffed with servants. His father was a successful businessman and he and his four brothers, all religious G-d fearing Jews, were equal partners in the business.

At that time, however, a movement called 'Chassidut' was sweeping over Europe and Western Russia like wildfire.

Begun by a Jew called the "Baal Shem Tov" (Besh't), this movement was based on the idea that Judaism without joy is like a body without a soul. And the only way to obtain this joy was by explaining ideas in Kabala in a way that showed the importance of a Jew and the Torah in this physical world.

But these ideas were considered dangerous and even blasphemous by many scholarly Jews. Judaism, they claimed, was a very serious, intellectual business and frivolous outbursts of joy and emotion would destroy the entire edifice.

It wasn't long before the Besh't and his Chassidim were branded as enemies and apostates and were finally officially excommunicated! It was forbidden to even talk to them and a 'mitzvah' to hate and pursue them.

But Rav Gavriel had serious doubts. All these charges did not exactly make sense to him. So when he heard there was to be a debate lasting several days with the Rebbe of Chabad, Rebbe Shneur Zalman, he had to attend.

After a week of listening to both sides he and tens of others from the audience realized that they had to become Chassidim.

But when our hero's father and brothers heard about the change they didn't ask questions. At first they tried to change his mind by screaming and threatening him and when that didn't work, they declared total war. They evicted him from the partnership, his father disowned him and when he set up his own business they tried to ruin it whenever possible.

But he took it all with a smile. "Nu" he said to his wife Chana Rivka, "We're in good company. Abraham the first Jew had even more enemies than us. Besides, if we lose our money it's not so bad, but if we loose our good mood we lose everything."

In time he lost his fine house, his riches and even his reputation but he wasn't sad. Even the fact that he had no children after years of marriage did not destroy his positive spirit.

But then something happened that changed it all.

Once a year, the Rebbe sent out collectors to gather money to support the Chassidic communities in Israel (Hundreds of Chassidim moved there because they couldn't bear the hatred and vengeance of the 'opposers') and up to now Rab' Gavriel always managed to scrape up the sum set for him.

But now the Rebbe sent collectors for a special cause. Jews had been kidnapped by Gentile criminals, a large sum was needed and poor Rab Gavriel was assigned a big portion; more than he could dream of paying. And that broke him.

He tried to borrow money but no one would lend him; he owed too much as it was. He even considered selling his store but even that wouldn't cover the amount.

Dejected, he went for a walk. What would be with the poor captives? What would be with himself? He wanted so desperately to help the Rebbe he began to cry.

But when he returned home his wife was beaming with joy. Before he could ask for an explanation she held out a leather pouch and said, "Here is the money you need for paying the ransom. I sold my jewelry and got a good price."

She explained that when she saw how sad he was she suddenly remembered that she still had jewelry from the 'good times'; a precious watch, a diamond necklace, a custom made bracelet and other things. So she waited for him to leave the house, bundled it all together, ran to the jeweler and got a good price.

Gavriel was overjoyed, first because he now had the money he needed and even more because he had such a wonderful wife.

He took the pouch, put it in his pocket without even opening it and immediately traveled to the Rebbe. (Usually donors waited for the Rebbe's messenger to come and collect their donations, but as the saying goes, when it rains it pours. To add to all his troubles, Rab Gavriel had recently been falsely accused by one of his workers of cheating the government and was afraid the money would be confiscated if he lost the trial).

He reached Liozna, the city of the Rebbe, got a private audience, entered the Rebbe's room and gave him the pouch.

The Rebbe put it on the table before him, pulled the string and watched in amazement as brilliantly shining coins rolled from it onto the table, glistening as though they were brand new!

The Rebbe looked at Rab Gavriel and then lowered his head upon his folded hands on the desk before him in deep contemplation. After several minutes he looked up again his face ablaze with inspiration and said melodically,

"When the Jews were commanded to build a Tabernacle in the desert they brought many types of donations; among them gold, silver and copper that were used to make the holy vessels.

"But only one vessel had an unusual glimmer; the Kior and its base. It was donated by the women from the copper backings of their mirrors that they used in Egypt and it shined more than anything else in the Tabernacle.

"This Kior was the last vessel to be made but it was the first used in the daily Temple service; from it the Cohanim (Priests) washed their hands and feet before they began their holy tasks…. Tell me, Rav Gavriel, why are these coins shining so brilliantly?"

Rab Gavriel realized that his wife had done it and had no choice but to tell the Rebbe the entire story (Usually Chassidim did not trouble the Rebbe with their personal problems). How his family had disowned him until now his wife had to sell her jewelry. How he had not been blessed with children and, to top it all off, how he was now being tried for a crime he didn't commit.

The Rebbe thought again for a few moments and answered. "According to the law of the Talmud the prosecution has no case against you and your trial will end immediately. In addition, G-d will bless you and your wife with many sons and daughters and with long life. And regarding your livelihood, I advise you to sell your shop and begin to deal in precious stones and pearls."

When he arrived home his wife admitted that she had polished the coins one at a time so it would be pleasing to HaShem and that the Rebbe's blessings would be fulfilled.

Shortly afterward, Rab Gavriel's trial was thrown out of court. He then sold his shop, began to deal in gems and in just months had developed a name for himself among the aristocrats of Russia. That next year his wife had a baby boy and the next year a girl.

Twenty years and many children later Rab Gavriel was a fantastically rich man and had begun marrying off his children. He and his wife lived to the age of one hundred and ten and saw children and great grandchildren living healthy Jewish lives.

This answers our questions. Just as Chana Rivka's shining of the coins was last act in her giving of the coins, and the Kior was the last vessel to be made, so the inner incense alter was the last to be mentioned; because all these were all of unique importance:

The Tabernacle and the Temple were prototypes of man's service to G-d. The Outer Altar upon which were sacrificed animals demonstrates man's external service of the Creator; good deeds, charity etc. [the word 'Korbon' – (sacrifice) means to come CLOSE]

But the inner incense alter represents a hidden, private service of G-d; a deeply personal connection from the depth of the heart. [The word Ktoret (incense) means to be UNIFIED]

Just as the shining of the coins came from the essence of Chana Rivka's heart which was, in some way, even deeper that her act of charity so every person, especially every Jew must develop a hidden burning connection with the Creator and His Torah; A personal relationship that is above all logic. It might be the last thing we acquire, but it is certainly the most important.

This is the source of the Joy the Besh't taught about. And it comes from 'Shtoot' being crazy for truth like Abraham the first Jew was. And that is why the fire did not burn the Shittim wood. Because this wood represents this Shtoot (Shittim and Shtoot have a similar derivation in Hebrew) and it can never be consumed: It is the desire for Moshiach, who will make a perfect world where everyone is connected in every way to the Creator.

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton
Yeshiva Ohr Tmimim
Kfar Chabad Israel

Torah Online Site: http://www.ohrtmimim.org/torah

Tales for the Shabbos Table

This week's section begins with G-d telling Moses to command (Tetzave) the Jewish people to bring him (Moses) olive oil "crushed for illumination".

This seemingly casual idea is really very potent.

Usually G-d commands, and Moses just conveys it to the people. Why does G-d here tell MOSES to do the commanding?

Secondly; why should the people bring the oil to MOSES? Ahron is the one who needs it to light the Menora!

Thirdly; What does the Torah accomplish by telling us that they must be crushed? The only way to get olive oil is by crushing olives!

And what does "Crushed for illumination" mean?

There are many explanations for all this, but here are two stories to help us understand one of them.

About 300 years ago in the days of the Baal Shem Tov, Judaism was in crises. Only a short time earlier, Polish and Russian Jewry suffered terribly. First from the barbaric armies of Bogdan Chmelnitzki, and then from a false Messiah called Shabbtai Tzvi. Now myriads of young Jews were opting out for new philosophies and beliefs, and nothing seemed to be able to stop them.

The only ones really keeping the faith, were either the accomplished scholars, or the simple unlettered folk. The only connection between these two groups was professional "preachers" or "Maggidim" as they were called.

Usually the Maggidim were Talmudic scholars and excellent orators. They would arrive at a Jewish town a day or two before the Sabbath, and ask the town Rabbi for permission to speak in the Synagogue. Just before the reading of the Torah they would rise to the podium and begin speaking. Their lecture usually began with something about the Torah section, but almost inevitably it ended with an overwhelming fire-and-brimstone speech about the evils of sin.

Now, it once occurred that one Shabbat one such Maggid was at the peak of such a sermon. The congregation was completely under his control as he explained in vivid details the tribulations of Hell, and the futility of even imagining that it is possible to hide from the wrath of the L-rd.

He was almost whispering as he leaned forward, eyes burning, slowly and deliberately emphasizing each word. The people sat wide-eyed, paralyzed in open-mouthed fear from his awesome descriptions, and the only thing that broke the terrible silence was the moans and weeping from the women's section.

He raised his voice ominously, with fists clenched and arms outstretched in the middle making some terrifying point when suddenly a man stood up in the back of the Synagogue and yelled, "STOP! STOP THIS NOW!"

The spell had been broken. Everyone turned to the stranger. The man spoke with a certainly, and his eyes had unusual warmth and depth.

"Why do you frighten these pure, good-hearted people!? Don't you realize how precious their simple good deeds and pure intentions are to G-d? Why do you frighten them?!" And he proceeded to bring stories and proofs for his words.

That man was the Baal Shem Tov, and this was the beginning of a new positive approach to Judaism called "Chassidut".

Here is a second story:

The Fourth Rebbe of Lubavitch was the M'HaRaSh (short for "Our teacher and master Rav Shmuel") lived a very short life. He passed away at the age of 49. In many ways, of all the Chabad Rebbes, he was the most similar to the founder of Chassidut, the Baal Shem Tov.

There is a well known story that the M'HaRaSh once took four devoted followers and traveled to Paris.

It was very unusual at that time for any religious person, and it goes without saying a Rebbe, to travel to this decadent city. But like his predecessor the "Baal Shem Tov", he had a holy purpose in everything he did, and was careful not to divulge it to anyone.

Upon arrival, he ordered the driver to travel to a certain exclusive hotel and told his Chassidim to take the most expensive room in the place. The prices were astronomic, but they did as he said and secured a royal suite on the first floor.

They were shown to their room, and after a few moments the Rebbe announced that he was going into the hotel casino (bar and gambling parlor).

They left the suite, went to the casino and watched as the Rebbe took a seat at a table in the corner and watched the crowd for several minutes.

Laughter and clinking of glasses rang out in the smoke filled room, and as out of place as he must have looked no one even paid attention to him, they were too involved in their gambling and frivolity.

Suddenly the Rebbe stood and walked over to a foppishly dressed young man standing at the roulette table. The man was watching the game, and occasionally sipping wine from a wineglass he gracefully held in his hand.

The Rebbe tapped him on the shoulder, and when the young man turned he looked him in the eyes and said quietly,

"Young man, Gentile wine makes the heart insensitive."

The young man just stared at the Rebbe for a few moments, turned back to the roulette table as though nothing happened, and the Rebbe returned to his seat. But after a few minutes he returned to the man once again tapped him on the shoulder and said,

"Young man! Be a Jew!"

Then the Rebbe turned and left the room, with his entourage following close after.

After several minutes the young man asked one of the waiters if he knew where he could find that strange Rabbi's room, and being that it was such an expensive room the waiter immediately knew. It was very near to the casino, so the young man was able to easily locate it.

They spoke for over an hour, and shortly after that conversation the man completely changed his way of life and became a Chassid of the Rebbe

That answers our questions. The Jewish people are likened to olives, and the only way they produce oil is by squeezing or even "crushing" them.

But there are different types of crushing. There is crushing that comes from the outside, like the "preacher" in our first story, and crushing that comes from the "inside", like the Rebbe in the second.

The former is very efficient; people are afraid of punishment and do what they are told. But the problem with such an approach is that it lacks JOY and often permanence.

But "crushing" from the "inside" is totally different. It comes from sensing how good one is, and how infinitely much better one CAN be. This is the job of a Rebbe; to inspire such self-squeezing. Then the results are joy and lasting connection to HaShem.

A good example of this is what it says in the Talmud, that the Jews never really fulfilled the Torah from the day it was given at Mount Sinai, until the miracle of Purim, almost one thousand years later!

The reason is, that at Sinai G-d FORCED them to receive the Torah. That is why only forty days later they actually worshiped idolatry...The Golden Calf.

But on Purim they had a choice, if they chose to declare that they weren't Jews they could have escaped the decree "To destroy etc. all the JEWS" - but they didn't!

They chose to "squeeze" themselves. Therefore they had the joy and power to deny anything against G-d's will. (That is the reason they were called Y'hudim "Jews" - because they completely surrendered to HaShem) and that is why Purim is such a JOYOUS holiday.

And this was the work of Moses, Mordechai, the Baal Shem Tov, and all the Rebbes after them, ESPECIALLY the last Lubavitcher Rebbe; to inspire the Jews of their generation to "crush" themselves and come closer to their true, joyous, Jewish identity.

Now we can answer our above questions.

Moses is here doing the commanding because, only through Moses can the people realize how good they really are, and how much better they can be; he is G-d's sole representative in this world.

And therefore the oil must be taken to him, because it is thanks to him that Jews are inspired to squeeze it out. (And, as the Rebbe pointed out in his last discourse, this oil raises Moses as well).

Finally, that is what "Crushed for the ILLUMINATOR" means. Namely, that when a Jew "squeezes and even crushes HIMSELF it makes light and joy from the "illuminator" i.e. from the very ESSENCE and SOURCE of his soul.

May we all be connected to the Rebbe by learning his teachings and
squeeze ourselves to bring out the true light of....

Moshiach NOW!

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton
Yeshiva Ohr Tmimim
Kfar Chabad Israel

Torah Online Site: http://www.ohrtmimim.org/torah

Tales for the Shabbos Table

HAPPY PURIM TO ALL!

This section is unique because it does not mention Moshe’s name even once. (But really it describes Moshe better than any Parsha, as we will see with
HaShem's help.)

One reason for this omission is that after the Jewish people sinned with the Aigel (Golden Calf) and G-d wanted to destroy them, Moshe told G-d that he’d rather have his own name omitted from the entire Torah than see the Jews punished (Shmot 32:32).

The result was that G-d forgave the Jewish people but He also omitted Moshe’ s name … from this Parsha alone (Baal HaTurim 27:20)

But a few things don’t seem to make sense here.

Firstly, the sin of the Aigel is in NEXT WEEK’S section; the whole thing happened AFTER Moshe’s name was erased! (See Ramban 35:1)

Secondly, how did this argument of Moshe’s convince G-d to spare the Jewish people from such an unforgivable sin as idolatry with malice aforethought? After all, they heard DIRECTLY from G-d that it’s forbidden and yet they did it anyway!

And finally, if Moshe’s argument saved all the Jewish people why was his name erased?

I would like to answer with a story.

The Baal Shem Tov (Besh’t) was once sitting with his pupils when suddenly he went ‘blank’. His eyes stared at a corner of the ceiling, but he was obviously seeing something else.

The pupils were used to this; their master lived in a world unobstructed by creation; past and future, physical and spiritual, were like one to him.

Suddenly the ‘Besh’t’ stood up and began to dance with ecstatic joy, arms outstretched, spinning, singing joyously. In seconds, all his pupils were dancing with him until they couldn’t dance any more.

The Baal Shem sat down, caught his breath and explained the reason for his sudden outburst.

“Yesterday a woman came in to see me and she was weeping; she wanted children. I saw in heaven that it was decreed that she was to be barren. But I decided that I would pray for her anyway. Prayer can transform even the harshest decrees especially prayer with self-sacrifice.

I said, ‘G-d, You can do what you want with me, but I demand that You give this woman children!’ And it worked! The decree was annulled and it was announced in heaven that she would have offspring.

But that was yesterday. Just now I received a summons to appear before the Heavenly court and after a short trial they decided that I must pay dearly for my importunity; I will lose my place in heaven and will receive no spiritual rewards after I pass away!

And that is why I am so happy,” concluded the Besh’t. Now I can serve G-d without any interference from ulterior motives!!”

This explains why Moshe was willing to be wiped out of the Torah.

The Torah is the true Inner Will and Wisdom of G- d, the reason and foundation of all Creation, the essence of all being. No one was ever more united with and devoted to it than Moshe. His entire being was Torah. He went for 120 days without eating or drinking in order to receive it directly from G-d, and risked his life for it’s every detail.

But his connection with the Jews was even deeper, because the Jews are higher than the Torah.

And Moshe didn’t want the Torah to interfere with that connection.

Sound strange? Well that is why he broke the Ten Commandments in next week' s Parsha, (32:19) and G-d even praised him for it (Devorim 34:12).

Now we can understand why Moshe’s name is missing from the Torah BEFORE the sin of the Aigel; because here is where he got his power to save the Jewish people. Here his real essence is revealed.

Most sections begin with a narrative in the third person, “And G-d spoke to Moshe etc.”

But this section begins with G-d speaking DIRECTLY to Moshe

“YOU command B’nei Yisroel”

Now, the word for Command also means ‘Connect’ in Hebrew. So the Torah is telling us here that Moshe’s essence - his “YOU”, was connected only to B’ nei Yisroel, the Jewish people. That is why he was willing to risk everything in next week’s Parsha to save them.

This also explains why G-d listened to him.

Moshe ‘reminded’ G-d (like we do on Rosh HaShanna) that the Jews, although they transgress (G-d forbid) the entire Torah, they are still ‘connected’ to Him and are His Chosen people.

This is also the special relevance of this week’s section to Purim.

Yet another reason that Moshe’s name is missing here is because this Portion always falls near the date of his death (7th of Adar).

The Talmud (Megilla 13b) tells us that Haman was sure of victory in this month for this same reason; it was the month of Moshe’s death.

But the month was nevertheless transformed into the joyous holiday of Purim… because Haman didn’t know three things:

Firstly, that Moshe was also born on that day. Secondly, that the righteous after their deaths are more alive and active in the world than ever before. And finally, but most important, that (every generation has to have a leader like ‘Moshe’ and) Mordechi was the Moshe of his generation.

Mordechi, like all true Jewish leaders ‘connected’ the Jews with G-d: The Jewish people in the day of Haman could have saved themselves by simply saying they weren’t Jewish, but Mordechi inspired them all to refuse. Just like Moshe was willing to be erased, so to they, over 900 years later, were prepared to be killed so as not to deny their true Jewish essence. And it resulted in great happiness just like the Besh’t story.

So it will be with us, G-d willing, this Purim!! May we all have “light, Joy, happiness, and glory” with

Moshiach NOW!

Rabbi Tuvia Bolton
Yeshiva Ohr Tmimim
Kfar Chabad Israel