VOLUME 120 NUMBER 1
Nissan 2, 5786
March 20, 2026
Parshas Vayikra
Candlelighting Time 6:54
ASCENDING FOREVER
Nachmonides on the other hand explains that this beginning verse in Vayikra is a continuation of the end of parshas Pekudei. There the Torah states that the Cloud of Hashem enveloped the Mishkan both from the outer perimeter and even the interior of the Mishkan was infused with the glory of Hashem. Therefore, Moshe was unable to approach even the outer door to the Mishkan. Hashem called out to Moshe to enter and then he was able to go inside. Rabbeinu Bachya explains that after the calling of Hashem the Cloud that originally enclosed the Mishkan was removed allowing Moshe to enter. After this initial admission, from then on Moshe was always permitted to enter the Mishkan.
These two explanations are divergent although both referencing the magnificence of Moshe both as the conveyer of the Torah to the people and his extremely close and valuable affiliation with Hashem. And the Chasam Sofer explains how both explanations are plausible in the way the Torah wrote the first verse in sefer Vayikra. Yet it would seem that they are not connected in their theme although there is a general correlation as was stated.
As mentioned earlier, Hashem communicating with Moshe in the same vein as the angels commune depicted the importance of Moshe in the eyes of Hashem. Having that in mind perhaps we can view the explanation of Nachmonides in a similar vein to that of Rashi. Nobody was allowed to enter the Mishkan when the special clouds were there. Since Moshe was entitled to be admitted that definitely demonstrated a unique and incomparable connection between Hashem and Moshe. And the ramifications of the connection were not only that Moshe was admitted into the confines of the Mishkan but also that he was the ultimate conveyor of the Torah to the nation in a manner that exhibited the clear and refined transmission of Torah. Only Moshe in his status of being so close to Hashem could have achieved these two incredible goals. Therefore, although Rashi and Nachmonides are approaching the first verse in Vayikra in two seemingly divergent ways, really, they combine and merge to give us one definitive message, the greatness of Moshe.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
When we discuss the sacrifices in the Mishkan and later in the Beis Hamikdash we realize that they introduced a certain sanctity into this world. The Bobover Rebbe, certainly did not indulge in the physical aspects of this world yet everyday he would eat at 4 PM egg kichel. This ‘custom’ was observed by many but not understood until one of the Rebbe’s close chasidim decided to ask him. He responded that in the after blessing that one recites after eating mezonos, any grain based baked item, we mention that we have the opportunity to bless Hashem with sanctity and purity. This theme was constantly on the Rebbe’s mind and reinforced daily with this ‘custom.’ PENINIM ON THE TORAH
GOOD SHABBOS
