Posts by Yaakov Klein
The Depth of Shabbos Hagadol
This Shabbos is known as “Shabbos HaGadol”, the “Great Shabbos”. Several reasons have been offered for this special title, which appears in the Zohar HaKadosh, throughout the ages. The following are a few ideas from the tzaddikim to keep in mind this exalted Shabbos. 1. A basic explanation for this term is found in Tosafos…
Read MoreA Fresh Change of Clothing
“…And he shall take the ashes… and place them beside the Mizbeach. He shall then take off his garments and put on other garments…” It is commonly assumed that “breaking our traits” or “overcoming our desires” is imperative to spiritual growth and attaining the completion of character for which we were sent down to this…
Read MoreThe Microcosmic World of Adam
In the beginning of this week’s parsha, the verse states, “Adam ki yakrim mikem korban la’Shem”, “When a person among you will offer a korban to Hashem…” The Shem M’Shmuel wonders why the word “Adam” is used instead of word more commonly used for “man”, “Ish”. The tzaddik’s explanation provides a deep insight into the…
Read MoreActualizing Holy Desire
“If his offering is a burnt offering… He shall bring it to the entrance of the Ohel Moed, in accordance with his will before Hashem…” The Mei HaShiloach sees an important message hinted to in the word “L’R’tzono”, which means that the Olah must reflect the desire of the one who offers it. The two…
Read MoreFor the Sake of Unification
Many are familiar with the terms “Hakadosh Baruch Hu” and the “Shechinah” , but their exact definitions and the distinction between them often remains an enigma. We wonder: do these references to Hashem carry the identical connotation? If so, why do we need both? If not, what is the difference? Although a thorough explanation of…
Read MoreIndividual Efforts, A National Project
Parshas Vayakhel deals exclusively with the construction of the various parts of the Mishkan with the exception of one, seemingly unrelated, commandment. Before introducing the opportunity for each and every member of the Jewish nation to contribute materials and skills toward this national project, Moshe Rabbeinu commands klal Yisrael once more regarding Shabbos, saying, “For…
Read MoreThe Passive Labor of a Spiritual Week
“For six days work may be done, but on the seventh day shall be holy, Shabbos shabbason to Hashem…” Once the Mishkan and its vessels had been outlined, it had come time to begin to assemble this glorious dwelling place for the Shechina. Before the construction to actualize the divine blueprint began, Moshe Rabbeinu reminded…
Read MoreThe Great Balance
“And the work they had done was enough to accomplish all of the work and more.” Many of the tzaddikim address a seeming contradiction in this pasuk. The verse begins by stating that the contributions given toward the Mishkan were simply “dayum”, enough, but ends with “v’hoser”, implying that they were in fact more than…
Read MoreThe Hidden Half
“This they shall give…half a shekel…to atone for your souls.” Our parsha opens with the necessity of taking census with the machatzis hashekel which would then be used for the Mishkan. Many tzaddikim ask why the census was specifically taken with half-shekels. Wouldn’t it have been more efficient for each Jewish person to have given…
Read MoreFace to Face
The holy Baal Shem Tov used the following, simple analogy to express a deeply foundational teaching. When a strong light shining behind a person causes his shadow to be cast over a body of water, the further the person is, the larger the shadow will be. As the person approaches the water, the shadow gets…
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