VOLUME 115 NUMBER 3
Nissan 27, 5785
April 25, 2025
Parshas Shemini
Candlelighting Time 7:31
Finally, after months of preparation, the day has arrived for the inauguration of the Mishkan. The Divine Presence would enter the midst of the nation and we would merit all the blessings that accompany that manifestation. For seven days Moshe served as the Kohen and the Mishkan was nearing its climatical finale. However, there was tension in the air because the people felt that the Shechina, Divine Presence, should have already come. After all, everyone donated wholeheartedly whatever was required for its construction and the artisans put extreme effort into every detail of the innumerable minutiae that was needed. Where was Hashem? Had He not forgiven them for the disastrous Golden Calf calamity? Moshe assured them his brother Ahron was of such great stature that after the sacrifices he offered to Hashem the Mishkan would receive the Shechina. And, of course, Moshe’s prediction was verified when on the eighth day indeed Hashem’s Presence ‘appeared’ for all to see and they reveled in their newfound and strengthened connection with Hashem. The catastrophic blemish on their record had been erased and now they were moving forward reaching greater and more majestic heights.
However, Rashi earlier in the parsha explains the events of that day in a seemingly contradictory manner. In the beginning of the parsha Rashi clarifies that the sacrifices brought that day didn’t actually realize the appearance of the Shechina rather those offerings were a celebration of the Shechina entering the midst of the nation. Of course, the involvement of the nation certainly played a major role in the Mishkan’s fulfillment but that day’s performance in the Mishkan did not actualize the entering of the Divine Presence.
Perhaps we can offer the following elucidation. We may assume that the Mishkan was a multi-tiered achievement. On the one hand, the average individual’s participation in the Mishkan was truly minimal if any at all. Ahron and his children performed all the tasks that were required and the nation’s sacrifices, although brought for the people, the Kohanim served as our representatives. Therefore, their role had been to prepare the Mishkna for its eventual mission. The true utility of the Mishkan was directed and managed by Ahron.
Subsequently, although Moshe commanded Ahron to offer sacrifices in the Mishkan on that day, there were two sets of offerings. Ahron brought his own sacrifices and additionally for the people. When the Torah states that Hashem appeared to the assemblage that was stated after the offerings that Ahron brought for the nation. Actually, two verses later Moshe tells the people this is what you need to do and Hashem will appear. That additional message of Moshe seems rather redundant. Also, what did Moshe mean that this is what they should do, Ahron did everything! Conceivably, Ahron’s sacrifices actually primed the Mishkan for its entrance into the nation as the depository for the Shechina. Without his preeminence and merit the Mishkan would not have become a reality within our midst. However, despite the need for Ahron and his service without the subsequent celebration for his accomplishment possibly there would have been a claim against the people. Since we so valued the Shechina where was our shoutout of appreciation that now Hashem resided with us. Their offerings were a prelude for their festive attendance of this magnificent event.
As we emerge from the wonderful Yom Tov of Pesach and precede to count the days of the Omer on the way to Shavuos, profound and thoughtful gratitude is a necessity to motivate us to serve Hashem in the best way possible.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
Moshe told Ahron even though Hashem has forgiven your sin for the Golden Calf episode, you still need to give to Satan his fill to allow you to enter into the Mishkan. The reality that Klal Yisroel must face is that the powers of evil dominate the world until the coming of the Moshiach. Therefore, we must be subservient to their will and work within that framework. This has been our approach ever since Yaakov encountered Eisav, and the protocol of the leaders of our nation since. However, when our procedure shifted and we began to fight with weaponry depending upon our military strength not only did we not fare better but on the contrary matters have worsened for our nation. CHOFETZ CHAIM
GOOD SHABB0S
