5-Bullet Friday: Parshas Vayakhel

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5-Bullet Friday

This week is Parshas Vayakhel! Check out this week's d'var torah here.

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Here is this week's 5-Bullet Friday, a quick summary of thoughts I’ve been pondering during the week:
:

  • Question I'm pondering (on the parsha): Simple or brilliant? The Gemara Berachos relates that Hashem told Moshe to tell Betzalel to make “A mishkan, an aron, and the keilim”. However when Moshe said this to Betzalel he reversed the order and said to make “An aron, keilim, and Mishkan”. Betzalel responded that he must have misunderstood what Hashem said because the way of the world is to first build a house (mishkan) and then the furniture (aron/keilim). Moshe saw from this conversation that Betzalel was seaking with Ruach Hakodesh. How did he see that from this? Betzalel merely said something that was obvious!
  • Concept I am considering: Give him some space. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, 349) states that every person has four amos of space in a reshus ha’rabim that one could carry. The Mishna Berura further explains that the passuk says “shevu ish tachtav” which conveys that a person has the space of his body (which is approximately three amos). The extra amah, to total four amos, is given so that a person could stretch his arms and legs. Giving someone the exact measurement without wiggle room is usually not enough, always remember to leave a little extra space to be able to stretch.
  • Hashkafic idea I'm reflecting on: 
  • Making it yours. During the time of the building of the mishkan and its keilim there were certainly many involved, yet the passuk (37:1) states, “Betzalel made the aron of shittim wood…” Rashi comments that because Betzalel devoted himself to the work more than all the other chochomim (as described in 36:1), it is called by his name specifically. Think about it: When we devote ourselves to something it becomes a part of us. We become emotionally connected with a sense of identity with that which we commit to. This could work both ways. On the positive side, we could attach to great things and goals by spending time and energy on something with devotion. On the flip side, we must be attentive to what we dedicate ourselves to.  
  • Middah on my mind: Zechira. Not actual memory, for that is not exactly a middah, but the things that we remember - those items running in the background of our brains that everything we do filters through. The Orchos Tzadikkim has a list of 30 items to bear in mind constantly. Indeed, in the fast paced environment we find ourselves living in, there is rarely time to check things through our moral compass, and Torah hashkafa before a button is pressed or a link is shared. Choosing to interact in such a impulsive environment necessitates taking time to pre-decide true desires and boundaries. As a start, think about the broad categories of: Bein adam l’makom (between man and Hashem), bein adom l’chaveiro (between man and friend), and bein adom l’atzmo (between man and himself). Think about something in each category to hold core and second nature that even impulse actions have to pass through before execution. Perhaps it is a motivating value or perhaps it is a limiting one, either way write it down and hold it dear, don’t waver until you have a moment with more time and clearer mind (like a beis din of greater number and wisdom) or discuss with another person before you have authority to change core values.  
  • Part of Tefillah I'm concentrating on: Ashrei. “...Ashrei ha’am she’Hashem Elokov.” The Metzudas Dovid comments that we are so fortunate that Hashem is our G-d and that He has the ability to do tremendous good for us and that His supply never runs out. Indeed we are fortunate that Hashem chose us as His nation to receive the Torah and be an ohr l’amim.
What's on your mind? 

Have a wonderful Shabbos!

P.S:
  • Completely random thought I'm thinking about: Broken Windows Theory. This criminology theory states that visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder create an urban environment that encourages further crime and disorder, including serious crimes. In other words, certain environments tend to be more prone to experiencing criminal activity and in theory if effort is put in to eliminate such environments, perhaps crime could be minimized as a result. This theory was applied by officials in NYC as a policing method to target minor crimes such as vandalism, public drinking, and fare evasion help to create an atmosphere of order and lawfulness, thereby preventing more serious crimes. Challenge: Think about environments that you find yourself in that tends to result in less than good behavior. Is it hanging out in certain areas? Spending time with certain people? Making minor changes to the environment immediately around you could have a profound effect on your behavior at large. 
Have comments or thoughts on this week's bullets? Have other random thoughts on your mind? Send an email to torahparallels@gmail.com. Thank you!

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