"LIVING WITH MOSHIACH,"
Parshat Pekudei, 5760
3 Adar II, 5760
March 10, 2000
Please pray for the immediate and complete recovery of
Horav Chaim Yehuda Kalman Ben Rochel Marlow Shlita,
head of the Bet-Din (Rabbinical Court) of Crown Heights
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
NOTE:
The Table of Contents contains links to the text. Click on an entry
in the Table of Contents and you will move to the information selected.
"I BELIEVE WITH COMPLETE FAITH IN THE ARRIVAL OF THE MOSHIACH.
"AND THOUGH HE MAY TARRY, I SHALL WAIT EACH DAY, ANTICIPATING HIS
ARRIVAL."
Maimonides, Principles of the Faith, No. 12
THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED
TO THE REBBE,
RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON
OF LUBAVITCH
Click here, to see pictures
of the Rebbe
The Daily Sicha (in Real Audio)
- Listen to selected excerpts of the Rebbe's Sichos
[talks] which are relevant to the particular day.
We are pleased to present, to the visually impaired and the blind, our weekly
publication, Living With Moshiach.
*
We'd like to hear from you. Tell us your comments, suggestions, etc. Write
to us, or E-Mail via Internet.
*
This Jewish year, is the year 5760 since Creation. The Hebrew letters are
Hei-Tav-Shin-Samech. Over a decade ago, in the year 5742, the Rebbe
stated that the Hebrew letters for that year were an acronym for "This should
be the year of the coming of Moshiach."
Since that time, the Rebbe has publicized a phrase describing the year according
to the acrostic of its Hebrew letters. This year has been designated by the
Rebbe's followers as "Hoyo T'hei Shnas Segulah," meaning "It will
surely be an auspicious year."
*
Our sincere appreciation to
L'Chaim weekly
publication, published by the Lubavitch Youth Organization, for allowing
us to use their material.
Also, many thanks to our copy editor, Reb
Mordechai
Staiman, for
his tireless efforts.
*
It is our fervent hope that our learning about Moshiach and the Redemption
will hasten the coming of Moshiach, NOW!
Rabbi Yosef Y. Shagalov,
Administrator,
Committee for the Blind
28 Adar I, 5760
Brooklyn, New York
Parshat Pekudei
For the past several weeks the Torah readings have dealt with the
Mishkan (Sanctuary) and its numerous vessels. The requirements were
very exacting, involving many different types of building materials and
complicated instructions on how to make the Sanctuary's various parts.
The Torah portions of Teruma and Tetzave contain G-d's detailed
command to erect the Sanctuary and fashion its components. Immediately afterward,
the portion of Vayakhel and this week's Torah portion
of Pekudei, speak of the actual building of it.
A question is asked: Why is it necessary to devote four separate Torah readings
to the subject of the Sanctuary?
Every word of the holy Torah is deliberate and precise; not one word or letter
is superfluous. If so, why does the Torah devote so much space to what seems
to be a repetition? Surely the Torah could have enumerated all the details
of the Sanctuary and then simply stated that the Jews followed them to the
letter. From this we would have understood that the Sanctuary was built according
to G-d's instructions.
However, in his commentary on the Torah (Genesis 24:42), Rashi explains
a general principle: Whenever something is particularly beloved to G-d, the
Torah goes to great length in its description, and indeed may repeat itself
several times, even if nothing new is added by the repetition.
The Sanctuary and its vessels were extremely beloved by G-d. The Sanctuary
was also especially important to the Jews, for it was the means by which
G-d's Presence rested among them, as it states, "And they will make Me a
Mikdash (Sanctuary) and I will dwell among them."
Moreover, to the Jews the Sanctuary was particularly beloved, for it testified
that G-d had forgiven them for having made the Golden Calf. That is why it
was called "the Mishkan of Testimony."
It is precisely because of its great significance, both to G-d and to the
Jewish people, that a full four Torah portions are devoted to the Sanctuary:
Teruma, Tetzave, Vayakhel and Pekudei.
The Jewish people's dedication to the Sanctuary expressed itself in their
overwhelmingly enthusiastic response to the call for donations. In fact,
they contributed so much of their personal wealth and possessions that an
order had to be given for them to cease!
In a like manner, it is not enough to be content with the simple performance
of mitzvot. Each one of G-d's commandments must be precious and dear
to us, observed with willingness and devotion, and performed with alacrity
and love.
The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson of Lubavitch, issued a call that
"The time of our Redemption has arrived!" and "Moshiach is on his
way!"
The Rebbe stressed that he is saying this
as a
prophecy, and asks us all to prepare ourselves for the Redemption,
through increasing acts of goodness and kindness.
Let us all heed the Rebbe's call.
When people comment that Lubavitchers may be going a little overboard, as
it seems that every other word is about Moshiach or Redemption or the Messianic
era, our only response is that we are emulating the Rebbe.
An example (and this is not an exception, but the rule) may be found in a
talk of the Rebbe's 10 years ago (in 5750/1990) at just about this time of
year. At that time the Rebbe spoke of the 50th anniversary of the previous
Rebbe's arrival in America.
In the course of just 5 minutes the Rebbe said:
"May the completion of these 50 years of service bring about the complete
and ultimate redemption -- the eternal Redemption led by Moshiach.
"The Messianic Redemption is also connected to the present month, the month
of Adar. Adar is a month of celebration as our Sages commented,
'When Adar commences, happiness should be increased.' This happiness,
in contrast to the happiness of the other months of the year, is unlimited
in nature. Thus, we find that though the festivals of Passover,
Shavuot, and Sukkot are described as 'festivals of rejoicing,'
the court would send emissaries to ensure that the celebrations were kept
within certain limits. In contrast, the celebrations of Purim are unlimited
in nature. This relates to the Messianic Redemption, for the ultimate expression
of happiness will come in the Messianic age.
"This unbounded happiness is not restricted to Purim alone. The Megillah
describes Adar as 'the month that was transformed,' implying that
the month as a whole is one of celebration. In particular, this is true now
that eight days of the month have passed. The number "eight" shares a connection
to the Messianic Redemption.
"The present day, Tuesday, is also connected to the Messianic Redemption,
for Tuesday is associated with the repetition of the phrase, 'And G-d saw
that it was good,' interpreted by our Sages as a reference to a twofold good:
'good to the heavens' and 'good to the creatures.' This twofold service relates
to Moshiach's coming, since, as our Sages explain, all terms that are repeated
in Torah are allusions to the concept of redemption.
"A connection to the Messianic Redemption can also be found in this week's
Torah portion..."
So you see, if the Rebbe's chasidim and admirers are known to be
Moshiach-minded, it is the greatest compliment possible!
The Rebbe's slogan is: "The main thing is the deed." We therefore present
from the Rebbe's talks suggestions what we can do to complete his work of
bringing the Redemption.
Make Others Happy:
As we are now in the 60 days of happiness comprised of the two months of
Adar, we should endeavor to make others happy.
The Rebbe explained, "We should proceed to spread joy and happiness in the
most literal sense, making efforts to assure that the members of one's household
and similarly, all of those with whom one comes in contact, experience great
joy. And this will lead to the ultimate joy, the coming of the Redemption.
May it take place in the immediate future."
Jewish Women and Girls Light Shabbat
Candles
For local candle lighting times:
consult your local Rabbi, Chabad-Lubavitch Center,
or call: (718) 774-3000.
or: http://www.chabad.org/shabbos
For a free candle lighting kit:
contact your local Chabad-Lubavitch Center.
For a listing of the Centers in your area:
http://www.chabad.org/chabadir-access.html.
In the USA, call: 1-800-Lubavitch (1-800-582-2848).
Times shown are for Metro NY - NJ
Friday, March 10, Erev Shabbat Parshat Pekudei:
-
Light Shabbat Candles,(1) by 5:39 p.m.
Saturday, March 11, Shabbat Parshat Pekudei:
-
Shabbat ends at nightfall, at 6:40 p.m.
_______________
1. The Shabbat candles must be lit 18 minutes
before sunset. It is prohibited and is a desecration
of the Shabbat to light the candles after sunset.
Laws of Shabbat Candle
Lighting for the Blind
Shabbat Candle
Lighting Blessing
"Let There Be
Light" - The Jewish Women's Guide to Lighting Shabbat Candles. |
