Parsha Points to Ponder

Parsha Points to Ponder - Parashat T'ruma

1) Why does the Torah list AVNEI SHOHAM and ANVEI MILUIM last in the list of materials donated to the Mishkan considering the fact that they were precious stones, of greater value than even the gold and silver (25:7)?

2) Why was the Aron, the most prestigious of Mishkan vessels, only covered with gold but made of wood on the inside (25:11)?

3) Why does the Torah say AND THE MISHKAN YOU SHOULD MAKE (V’ET HAMISHKAN TA’ASEH) instead of the usual AND YOU SHOULD MAKE (V’ASITA) followed by the identity of the vessel (26:1)?

Answers - Ponder the questions first and then look here

1) The Ohr HaChayim explains that these precious stones were used exclusively for the clothing of the Kohein Gadol. This clothing had a lower level of holiness than materials used for the actual Mishkan to the point that it is not forbidden to benefit from these materials. Thus, while they might be physically worth more than the other materials, they were on a lower level in terms of their spiritual value.

2) Da’at Zekainim MiBaalei HaTosfot teaches that since the Aron was carried by the Leviyim on their shoulders, G-D wanted to make it easier for them and the wood on the inside would make the Aron lighter to carry.

3) The Kli Yakar answers that whenever the Mishkan itself is discussed, credit cannot be given to the people making it by placing the emphasis on those making it. The word MISHKAN refers to G-D dwelling in our midst, and that word comes before mention of those who simply do the physical work of making the Mishkan.

Points to Ponder is prepared by Rabbi Dov Lipman who teaches at Reishit Yerushalayim and Machon Maayan in Beit shemesh and is the author of “DISCOVER: Answers for Teenagers (and Adults) to Questions about the Jewish Faith” (Feldheim) and “TIMEOUT: Sports Stories as a Game Plan for Spiritual Success” (Devora) His Hagada commentary, “FOUNDATIONS” will be published by Targum before Pesach (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

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