Pekudei 5774

“These are the accountings (pekudei) of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the Mishkan of Testimony.” (Shemot/Exodus 38:21)

The word pekudei usually is translated “reckonings” or “accountings” but Tehillim /Psalms 19:9 uses the same word with a different translation: Pekudei Hashem yesharim means “the orders/commands of Hashem are upright.” This brings a deeper meaning to the Torah verse.

Dr. Nosson Chayim Leff on torah.org writes that the Sfas Emes understands “orders” or “commands” to be mitzvot (commandments). The Sfas Emes goes on to explain how pekudei relates to the Mishkan. Writes Dr. Leff: “The word Mishkan comes from the same root as Shechina, the presence of Hashem. Thus, continuing this line of thought, we see that pekudei haMishkan comes to mean that by doing mitzvot, we bring Hashem into our midst.”

How does performing mitzvot bring G-d’s Presence into our midst?

Dr. Leff continues: “The pasuk (verse) says “the Tabernacle of Testimony”. The Sfas Emes explains that by performing mitzvot, we bear witness that we accept Hashem’s Kingship. Every mitzvah we do is testimony that we subordinate our will to that of Hashem.  And in so doing, Hashem’s Presence in the world becomes more apparent to the naked eye.”

As parents, even though we often are busy, rushed and preoccupied, we must slow down, concentrate and perform mitzvot with the proper kavana (intent) to connect with Hashem and do as He has commanded. When we do this, we will bring G-d’s Presence into our hearts, our homes and our world.

http://www.torah.org/advanced/sfas-emes/5764/pekudei.html

Terumah 5772

In this week’s parsha, G-d instructs the people of Israel to build for Him a dwelling, also called a sanctuary and referred to as a Tabernacle. Among the instructions for its furnishings: “Make a table of shittim (acacia) wood.”   The ark and the altar were also to be made of shittim.

What is the significance of shittim (acacia) wood?

Rabbeinu Bachya writes that shittim forms an acronym for the words shalom (peace), tova (goodness), yeshua (salvation) and mechila (forgiveness.) All four of these blessings come to the Jewish people through the furnishings of the Tabernacle.

Rabbi Yissocher Frand asks: Now that we no longer have these furnishings, how can we continue to receive these blessings? Rabbeinu Bachya answers by citing the Talmud (Chagiga 27a): “Now that the Holy Temple is no longer standing, a person receives atonement through his own table.”

Writes Rabbi Frand: “If we feed the poor, welcome the traveler and host guests at our table, then the dining room table –or the kitchen table for that matter – becomes our personal altar of atonement.”

Writes Rabbi A.L. Scheinbaum: “The shulchan (table) attests to an individual’s integrity and worthiness for Olam Haba (the World to Come.) The shulchan is the symbol of prosperity. It represents the demand upon every Jew to share his material abundance with those less fortunate than he. The shulchan testifies that its owner has fulfilled his obligation to others.”

Rabbeinu Bachya notes an ancient French custom of using the wood of one’s dining table to construct one’s coffin. Writes Rabbi Scheinbaum: “This reinforces the concept that man takes nothing with him as his earthly remains are laid to rest. Only the charity and kindness that he has extended to others accompany him upon his eternal journey.”

 

As parents, we control what happens at our table: who sits around the table, what food is served, what is discussed. We can treat the table as an altar, and the home as a miniature sanctuary. We can use meal times as an opportunity to infuse our families with holiness and with blessings.