Parshas Pekudei -- 28 Adar, 5771 / March 4, 2011 -- Vol. 2, Issue 11
While I wouldn’t classify myself as ‘being into technological gadgets,’ I do have a Blackberry. What can I say, it’s convenient! I can store all my appointments, jot down a quick memo, and check my email on the go. Not only that, but I can store the equivalent of an entire library in my pocket! As successful as the Blackberry has become, it hasn’t received as widespread acclaim as the iPhone. What makes Apple’s products so enticing that people will wait in line all night to be the first to purchase an item like the iPhone4 or the iPad? How have they become so successful? Let’s take a look at the name of the products themselves; iPod, iPhone, iPad. It seems that these products are all about the ‘I’ and nothing about the ‘you’!
Over the last few parshas, we have learned a great deal about the Mishkan and the specifics regarding how it was constructed. One essential part of the Mishkan is the skin of the tachash animal; a beautiful multi-coloured animal, which is now extinct. The tachash was specifically created with the sole purpose of its skin being used as the cover (roof) of the Mishkan. The idea of something being handpicked by Hashem with such a specific purpose invokes a feeling of awe and inspiration. Imagine something brought into being just to serve the Almighty!
The truth is that instead of being in awe of the tachash, we should be in awe of ourselves. Each person was created with specific talents, abilities and characteristics all so that they could fulfill their individualized mission in life. Imagine, no one except you can accomplish your unique mission; it’s enough to make someone just a wee bit egotistical. Therefore, while Hashem created us with a specific endeavor in mind, maftir Shekalim reminds us that we can only maximize our potential when we unite with our brethren. This is because Torah is not about the ‘I,” but rather about the ‘you’ and the ‘we.’ It is about the Jewish people as a whole.
When we endeavor to help others, we inevitably complete ourselves. When we solely focus on our ourselves instead of others, we remain broken. If we move away from the iPhone and towards a uPhone we can ensure not only ‘my’ success but ‘our’ success!
Over the last few parshas, we have learned a great deal about the Mishkan and the specifics regarding how it was constructed. One essential part of the Mishkan is the skin of the tachash animal; a beautiful multi-coloured animal, which is now extinct. The tachash was specifically created with the sole purpose of its skin being used as the cover (roof) of the Mishkan. The idea of something being handpicked by Hashem with such a specific purpose invokes a feeling of awe and inspiration. Imagine something brought into being just to serve the Almighty!
The truth is that instead of being in awe of the tachash, we should be in awe of ourselves. Each person was created with specific talents, abilities and characteristics all so that they could fulfill their individualized mission in life. Imagine, no one except you can accomplish your unique mission; it’s enough to make someone just a wee bit egotistical. Therefore, while Hashem created us with a specific endeavor in mind, maftir Shekalim reminds us that we can only maximize our potential when we unite with our brethren. This is because Torah is not about the ‘I,” but rather about the ‘you’ and the ‘we.’ It is about the Jewish people as a whole.
When we endeavor to help others, we inevitably complete ourselves. When we solely focus on our ourselves instead of others, we remain broken. If we move away from the iPhone and towards a uPhone we can ensure not only ‘my’ success but ‘our’ success!
Parshas Pekudei: Effort Equals Success
“Moses erected the Tabernacle, and fastened its sockets, and set up its wall panels, and put in its bars, and reared up its pillars.” (Pekudei 40:18)
Although Moshe did not partake in the actual labour and construction of the Tabernacle, Hashem wanted that he should have a share in it, and thus instructed him to erect it. Moshe worried how he alone would lift such a heavy structure? Hashem responded that if Moshe would place his hands on it, the Tabernacle would stand up on its own.
Since it was impossible for one person to lift the tabernacle due to its vast size, what was the point of Moshe putting his hands on it? Why not just have Moshe raise his staff and have the Tabernacle erect itself?
There was once a King who had a friend living on the outskirts of town. One evening, Instead of the friend coming to the palace for dinner, the King decided it might be nice to visit his friend’s home. He sent a messenger to let his friend know that he would be coming for dinner in one week’s time.
The day came and the King’s friend prepared a meal to the best of his ability and set out his finest table cloth, goblets, and silverware. Upon hearing trumpets blasting, he looked out the window to see the King approaching. The King was dressed in his royal garb and was in a majestic carriage pulled by six white horses. At the sight of the King, the friend became embarrassed of what he had prepared and quickly undressed the table and hid everything in the closet.
When the King walked in, he was surprised to see a bare table. “Surely you knew I was coming. Why didn’t you prepare anything for us to eat?” asked the King. “I did,” replied the friend, “however, upon seeing you, I was afraid that it wasn’t enough and I took it all down.” “My dear friend,” said the King, “it doesn’t matter what exactly you prepared, but that you made the effort to prepare it for me.” to become overhe sre. Wnted that he should make an effort. Once Moshe did his
Moshe could not raise the Tabernacle on his own, but Hashem wanted that he should make an effort. Once Moshe did his part, Hashem did the rest. illing not only to kelps his hands on it t that he should
King David writes, “And Yours Hashem is kindness, for you repay each man according to his deeds” (Psalm 62:13). What does this verse mean? Hashem, in His benevolence, rewards us not only for what we accomplish, but for that which we make a valiant attempt as well.
Hashem recognizes that there are many things in life which we as humans cannot do on our own and He is willing to help us reach our goals. Even more amazing is that Hashem gives us the credit, as if we did it on our own. Our part is to try our best; Hashem takes care of the rest.
Although Moshe did not partake in the actual labour and construction of the Tabernacle, Hashem wanted that he should have a share in it, and thus instructed him to erect it. Moshe worried how he alone would lift such a heavy structure? Hashem responded that if Moshe would place his hands on it, the Tabernacle would stand up on its own.
Since it was impossible for one person to lift the tabernacle due to its vast size, what was the point of Moshe putting his hands on it? Why not just have Moshe raise his staff and have the Tabernacle erect itself?
There was once a King who had a friend living on the outskirts of town. One evening, Instead of the friend coming to the palace for dinner, the King decided it might be nice to visit his friend’s home. He sent a messenger to let his friend know that he would be coming for dinner in one week’s time.
The day came and the King’s friend prepared a meal to the best of his ability and set out his finest table cloth, goblets, and silverware. Upon hearing trumpets blasting, he looked out the window to see the King approaching. The King was dressed in his royal garb and was in a majestic carriage pulled by six white horses. At the sight of the King, the friend became embarrassed of what he had prepared and quickly undressed the table and hid everything in the closet.
When the King walked in, he was surprised to see a bare table. “Surely you knew I was coming. Why didn’t you prepare anything for us to eat?” asked the King. “I did,” replied the friend, “however, upon seeing you, I was afraid that it wasn’t enough and I took it all down.” “My dear friend,” said the King, “it doesn’t matter what exactly you prepared, but that you made the effort to prepare it for me.” to become overhe sre. Wnted that he should make an effort. Once Moshe did his
Moshe could not raise the Tabernacle on his own, but Hashem wanted that he should make an effort. Once Moshe did his part, Hashem did the rest. illing not only to kelps his hands on it t that he should
King David writes, “And Yours Hashem is kindness, for you repay each man according to his deeds” (Psalm 62:13). What does this verse mean? Hashem, in His benevolence, rewards us not only for what we accomplish, but for that which we make a valiant attempt as well.
Hashem recognizes that there are many things in life which we as humans cannot do on our own and He is willing to help us reach our goals. Even more amazing is that Hashem gives us the credit, as if we did it on our own. Our part is to try our best; Hashem takes care of the rest.
