DVAR TORAH
Parshat Vayakhel reports, detail by detail, how the builders of the mishkan followed the precise instructions for its construction. Yet the Torah does not use the words, “as G-d commanded Moshe.” In Pekudei, describing the making of the kohanim’s garments, the Torah mentions in section after section those very words.
Why is there a difference?
The answer can be found in the second pasuk of our parsha (Shemot 38:22) which records that Betzalel did “all that Hashem commanded Moshe.” Rashi picks up on the unnecessarily inclusive word “all,” and cites Chazal that Betzalel followed all the instructions that G-d gave to Moshe, including a notable one that Moshe had not given to him. Because when Betzalel questioned the logic of building the mishkan’s vessels before building the structure, Moshe praised him for anticipating something which G-d had told Moshe.
Notes the Ramban that this explains why Vayakhel does not mention that Betzalel followed the instructions, because he acted differently from what he was originally told (with permission). In fact, it was only in this week’s parsha that his actions were exactly what Moshe had said.
Tuesdays @ 8:30 pm - KINS Women's Tehillim Group
each week at a different home. To stay informed - CLICK HERE
HALACHA OF THE WEEK: Purim Part 3: An “Early” Taanit Esther
When a fast day occurs on Shabbat (e.g. Tisha B’Av or the 17th of Tammuz) we delay its observance until the following day, Sunday. The reason for this is explained in the Talmud so as not to hasten the reminder of a tragedy ["akdumei puranuta lo makdaminan" – Megilla 5a]
However, when Ta'anit Esther – the 13th of Adar - falls on Shabbat, as it does this year, the fast is observed on the previous Thursday (March 21st). The simplest explanation for this is because Taanit Esther does not recall a tragedy, rather the fast that the Jews observed on the day of their battle with Haman’s loyalists [Chidushei HaRan Taanit Chapter 2]. However, HaRav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, zt"l suggested an additional reason - that Taanit Esther is part of the “pirsumei nisa” experience [publicizing the miracle of G-d’s salvation] that is so integral to Purim. Specifically, by observing before celebrating the victory of Purim, we preserve the historic nature of the season - that G-d responded to our pleas and fasting.
This may also be an additional reason why Taanit Esther is the most lenient of all fasts [Orach Chayim siman 686] - since unlike all the other fasts, Taanit Esther is the only fast which is part of a celebration and not an observance of national tragedy!
Finally, when Taanit Esther is moved from its regular date, it is even more lenient than in most years. As a result, even according to those who may be stringent about a regularly scheduled Taanit Esther [i.e. Rambam] in a year when Taanit Esther is “early” a person who has even a minor problem fasting can break this fast.