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With this week’s Torah portion, Vayakhel-Pekudei, we conclude the Torah’s detailed discussion of the Tabernacle, it’s vessels, and the priestly vestments. First, the Torah tells us of Hashem’s command to Moshe to build each of its vessels and each of the priestly garments. These vestments were needed for the Kohanim to serve in the Mishkan. The Torah also tells us of the Jew’s donations to carry this out. Furthermore, the Torah tells us that the Jews carried out these commands and succeeded in constructing the Mishkan according to Hashem’s commandments.
Our Parshah begins telling us that they took inventory of all of the materials which were donated. Our Torah portion begins that[1] “These are the numbers of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of the Testimony, which was counted at Moshe’s command …” Rashi cites the words “these are the numbers,” and explains that this refers to taking inventory. Rashi explains as follows: “In this Parshah, all weights of the donations for the Mishkan were counted. (This included those) of silver, gold, and copper. All its implements for all of its work were (also) counted.”
This verse seems to present a difficulty. Why does it say “the Mishkan, the Mishkan of the Testimony,” repeating the word Mishkan? Rashi cites the words “the Mishkan, the Mishkan,” and explains that the word Mishkan is written “twice. This alludes to the Temple, which was taken as collateral (the Hebrew word ‘Mashkon’[2]) by the two destructions[3], for Israel’s sins.”
We need to understand; why does the Torah choose to allude to the destruction of both Temples here? We are discussing the building of the Mishkan.
The explanation is that in this manner, the Torah is telling us that the Bais Hamikdosh is eternal. When one gives a security deposit to borrow money, it does not cease to exist. It is merely transferred temporarily from the borrower’s domain to that of the lender.
The same is true of the Bais Hamikdosh. Even though it was destroyed, it did not cease to exist. Due to our sins, Hashem held it as security. When the situation warranted, He returned it to us. This repeated itself yet a second time. However, with the coming of Moshiach, it will be returned to us eternally.
I wish one and all a good Shabbos and a happy and Kosher Pesach!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 11, Page 175
DEDICATED IN HONOR OF THE LUBAVITCHER REBBE
מוקדש לזכות כ”ק אדמו”ר נשיא דורנו מליובאוויטש
לזכות
חיילי “צבאות השם” חיים ועדן עודד שיחיו מאריס
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נדפס ע”י הוריהם
הרה”ת ר’ מנחם מענדל
וזוגתו מרת חי’ מושקא שיחיו מאריס
[1]. Our Parshah, Shemos 38:21.
[2]. The Hebrew words משכן – Tabernacle, and משכון – Security, are both almost identical. Rashi appears to be saying that they are related to each other.
[3]. The destruction of the first and second Temple.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 