On the final day of Sukkos, Simchas Torah, we read V’zos Haberochoh, the concluding Torah portion. In it, we read the blessings which Moshe gave to all of the tribes of Israel.
The Torah tells us the blessing which Moshe gave Binyomin[1]. “And of Binyomin he said, ‘Hashem’s beloved one shall dwell securely beside Him; He protects him all day long, and He dwells[2] between his shoulders.’”
Rashi cites the words “dwells between his shoulders” and explains as follows. “The Holy Temple was built on the highest point of his (meaning Binyomin’s) land …” Rashi continues that “it was King Dovid’s intention to build it at the highest point … however, they said to Dovid ‘Let us build it a little lower, because the Torah says, ‘and He dwells between his shoulders[3],’ and there is no part of an ox which is more beautiful than its shoulders.’”
The is a deeper reason for building the Holy Temple “a little lower.” The Bais Hamikdosh spreads Divine light throughout the entire world; including the (spiritually) lowest places. In order to reach these places, it could not be built on the greatest heights. Its illumination had to be accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Just as the Temple was a holy building on the Temple Mount, so too each and every one of us is required to be a Bais Hamikdosh; we must all illuminate our portion of the world.
If our G-dly soul was totally removed from this world, it would be impossible for us to provide it with a source of illumination. Rather, each of us must “lower” ourselves by dealing with this world. We must apply ourselves to drawing down holiness into the world. In order to accomplish this, we must use our animal souls, bodies, and our portions in this world in the service of Hashem. In this manner we will[4] “make Me a sanctuary and I, Hashem, will dwell in their midst.”
May we all have a good, sweet year both in all spiritual and physical matters, in a revealed manner. We should merit the ultimate blessing of Moshiach Now!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos, Volume 10, Page 146
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR FATHER
Mr. Sholom Moshe Hacohen
ben Reb Shlomo Meir Hacohen ע”ה Cohen
Passed away Shabbos Parshas Beshalach, 13 Shevat, 5779
May His Soul be bound in the Eternal Bond of Life
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DEDICATED BY HIS SON-IN LAW AND DAUGHTER
RABBI SHMUEL AND RIFKA שי’MENDELSOHN
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לעילוי נשמת
ר’ שלום משה הכהן בן ר’ שלמה מאיר הכהן ע”ה כהן
נפטר ש”ק פ’ בשלח, י”ג שבט, ה’תשע”ט
ת. נ. צ. ב. ה.
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יו”ל ע”י חתנו ובתו שיחיו
הרה”ת ר’ שמואל ורבקה שי’ מענדלסאהן
[1]. Our Parshah, Devorim 33:12.
[2]. The words “He dwells” refer to the Bais Hamikdosh, Hashem’s dwelling place.
[3]. The shoulders are lower than the head.
[4]. Parshas Terumah, Shemos 25:8.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 