This week's parsha
Unless otherwise noted, "This week's Parsha" comprises articles taken from contributors to the Chabad.org website. We show the original author's name here, so that proper attribution is given. For the sake of brevity, footnotes cited in the original author's writings are omitted from this website. If you need to see the citations, please refer to the original articles on the Chabad.org website.
Mitzvot are for Us
"Command the people of Israel that they bring to you (Moses) pure olive oil... to burn always." This oil was for the Menorah that illuminated the Sanctuary and later the Temples in Jerusalem. The Talmud notes the words "bring to you" instead of the more appropriate "bring to Me." The sages comment that G-d needs no illumination; the Menorah is for man's benefit.
The purpose of mitzvot, in fact the essential nature of Judaism, is frequently misunderstood. The purpose of prayer, for example, is not to present our demands and wishes to a busy G-d, nor to flatter and propitiate a wrathful, quick-tempered Deity (as is maliciously and sophomorically stated by some who should know better). The practices of Judaism are not designed to placate and gratify an adulation-hungry Creator. Nor is He any the lesser by our violations of Torah teachings.
The purpose of mitzvot, in fact the essential nature of Judaism, is frequently misunderstood. The purpose of prayer, for example, is not to present our demands and wishes to a busy G-d, nor to flatter and propitiate a wrathful, quick-tempered Deity (as is maliciously and sophomorically stated by some who should know better). The practices of Judaism are not designed to placate and gratify an adulation-hungry Creator. Nor is He any the lesser by our violations of Torah teachings.
Woman and the Sanctuary
The purpose of creation is that the presence of G-d should be revealed in this world. The first expression of this was in the Garden of Eden, as we are told at the beginning of the Torah. Adam and Eve dwelt in the garden, and together with them was the Divine presence. However, the world was not yet ready for this.
As we know, Adam and Eve sinned by eating from the Tree of Knowledge, and consequently the presence of G-d became hidden. Further sins in the following generations, such as Cain killing Abel, caused the Divine Presence to be even more concealed. However, with Abraham began the process of bringing the Divine Presence back to the world. This was continued by Isaac, Jacob and the following generations.
In the seventh generation after Abraham came Moses. The Sages tell us that the "seventh" has a particular likelihood of success. This is borne out by the achievements of Moses. Following G-d's instructions he guided the Jewish people in the building of the Sanctuary where the Presence of the Divine was revealed, in the Holy of Holies. This was the first stage of the fulfillment of the purpose of Creation. Later stages would be the First, Second and ultimately the Third Temple in Jerusalem.
As we know, Adam and Eve sinned by eating from the Tree of Knowledge, and consequently the presence of G-d became hidden. Further sins in the following generations, such as Cain killing Abel, caused the Divine Presence to be even more concealed. However, with Abraham began the process of bringing the Divine Presence back to the world. This was continued by Isaac, Jacob and the following generations.
In the seventh generation after Abraham came Moses. The Sages tell us that the "seventh" has a particular likelihood of success. This is borne out by the achievements of Moses. Following G-d's instructions he guided the Jewish people in the building of the Sanctuary where the Presence of the Divine was revealed, in the Holy of Holies. This was the first stage of the fulfillment of the purpose of Creation. Later stages would be the First, Second and ultimately the Third Temple in Jerusalem.
Bearing the Load
This week's Torah portion follows on from the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai contained in last week's reading. This week's parshah contains a set of laws which govern our ethical behavior in everyday life.
It is a common fallacy that Judaism belongs in the synagogue. When we leave the synagogue, we leave our Judaism behind. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Torah and the codes of Jewish law contain detailed and minute advice and ethical guidance for every aspect of daily life, from the most mundane to the loftiest.
One of the laws mentioned is that "When you will see your enemy's chamor (donkey) collapsed under its load, you may wish to refrain from assisting; nevertheless, you should help."
Beyond the simple meaning of this precept is a deeper explanation.
It is a common fallacy that Judaism belongs in the synagogue. When we leave the synagogue, we leave our Judaism behind. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Torah and the codes of Jewish law contain detailed and minute advice and ethical guidance for every aspect of daily life, from the most mundane to the loftiest.
One of the laws mentioned is that "When you will see your enemy's chamor (donkey) collapsed under its load, you may wish to refrain from assisting; nevertheless, you should help."
Beyond the simple meaning of this precept is a deeper explanation.
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