This is the only parsha in the Torah that begins with this word “vayakhel” which means to gather together. The Midrash comments that Hashem instructed Moshe to assemble the people jointly on Shabbos and lecture them on the laws of Shabbos. It continues that future generations will derive from this practice to also congregate and teach their communities the different laws pertaining to what is permissible and what is prohibited in general but not necessarily related to Shabbos. And then it concludes that as a result of these gatherings Moshe was inspired to enact that before every Yom Tov their laws should be studied. K’Sav Sofer questions the incongruity of this Midrash. Initially, the laws of Shabbos are mentioned and then it digresses into what is permissible overall and what is not and then a discussion of teaching the laws of Yom Tov. The flow of the Midrash is somewhat enigmatic. 

In order to process the meaning of this Midrash we need to explore the all-inclusive substance of our lives. We need to perceive why we were created and placed into this world? Obviously, those who endorse random creation theories will not be impressed with this question. However, we who resolutely believe that Hashem created the entire universe and all that is contained within it as we say every day in davening, we must search for significance in life and our purpose.  

The entire cosmos was created for mankind and his quest for attaining a perfected state. Of course, perfection requires a definition. And it is delineated as realizing and comprehending all that was conveyed to Moshe at Mt. Sinai and then transmitted to the people. That goal is accomplished by studying the Written Law, the Torah, and the Oral Law, the Talmud and its ongoing commentators up to and including our generation. Furthermore, based upon our comprehensive and in-depth understating of the Torah, then we continue with accomplishing as many mitzvos as possible. The vast accumulation of mitzvos serves together with our pursuit of an extensive understanding of the Torah to strongly attempt surmounting the challenge to truly climb that ladder of success to perfection. However, that aspiration is tenuous and the endeavor available for its achievement is limited. During the week we are involved with our activities and discovering time is challenging. Shabbos is the solution, a time that we can dedicate to an uplifting of our self, seeking the undertaking of the path to excellence. Hence, Moshe was tasked with that obligation to assemble the nation on Shabbos in search of that objective. 

In the desert, with their ability to excel in their scholarship a foregone conclusion since their necessaries were shouldered by Hashem, the entire week was available for study and education. When they entered into the Land of Israel and they were involved in tilling the land, free time for immersion in Torah was limited and Shabbos became the focal point to study all knowledge that was required. Since there was a need to inculcate the nation with all information that was pertinent, Moshe organized the seasonal studies as well. This Midrash serves as an inspiration that we must utilize Shabbos in the most proficient manner possible to garner knowledge of the Torah in our search to come ever closer to Hashem.      

A BYTE FOR SHABBOS

At the onset of the month of Adar collection began for the purchase of the new year’s sacrifices that began in Nissan. We acquired a burning desire to participate in the Mishkan and its operation when our financial resources were amassed for its construction. And that aspiration is enduring and unending.                                                                                                                                         

S’FAS EMES 

GOOD SHABBOS

THIS SHABBOS WE WILL READ ABOUT THE DONATIONS MADE TO PURCHASE SACRIFICIES FOR THE MISHKAN AND LATER FOR THE BEIS HAMIKDASH. EVERYONE GAVE ONLY ONE HALF OF A SHEKEL. WHETHER YOU WERE FROM THE LOWER ECONOMIC BRACKET OR VERY RICH, EVERYONE WAS THE SAME. WE BRING THE SHECHINA INTO OUR MIDST THROUGH THE SERVICE IN THE MISHKAN. HOWEVER, IT ONLY HAPPENS WHEN WE ARE TOGETHER AS ONE UNIFIED NATION. ANYTHING THAT WILL DISTURB THAT EQUILIBRIUM IS DESTRUCTIVE TO THE HEALTH OF OUR PEOPLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY WE WILL NOT MERIT THE PRESENCE OF HASHEM IN OUR MIDST.