FR Weekly Torah: Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei

This concludes our Shemos (Exodus) -- The Book of Redemption -- readings for the year 5777.

http://www.hidabrut.com/article/192983/Just-Enough-or-Too-Much

While we often have enough in life, it behooves us to make room for the extra. When those around us want to help, offer assistance, and contribute from their lives and selves, we must strive to include their offers and assistance in our lives. For, while we might just have enough on our own, this cannot compare to having extra to fill our homes, our lives, our very selves. If G-d, who needs nothing from us miraculously ensured that the extra was incorporated and all donations were used, then we can surely do the same, as we go in His ways and emulate His deeds (see Sotah 14a).

In the merit of including others, as we all work together to build a house for Hashem, may we be worthy of the ultimate redemption. For on that great day, when the Temple is once again rebuilt, perhaps we will merit to witness the majestic vision atop Mount Moriah once again: when extra will become enough and enough will become perfect for all.

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http://www.chabad.org/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/1449511/jewish/Daily-Zohar-Pekudei-Day-6.htm

BeRahamim LeHayyim: The Zohar dishes out some strong medicine which may taste bitter to some: on Shabbat we can’t light a fire. Period. While some commentaries stress this also means to not get angry on Shabbat—and that is certainly a high explanation—simply it means that if we physically light a fire, either through a match, electricity, or ignition switch of a car—we are arousing judgment above. The Zohar immediately questions this and says, “But wait, did not we use a fire in the Temple for the sacrifices on that day?” To which it answers, “The Torah says we can’t light a fire in one’s home, dwelling places. This does not mean that we cannot do a Torah-mandated physical sacrifice that produces a spiritual result above.”

It seems that without being preachy the Zohar wants us to understand the spiritual significance of physical actions below. Certainly no one would ever intend to arouse wrathful judgment on our day of peace. These words are worth contemplation, and perhaps put into action when on Friday afternoon we prepare everything necessary so we do not “light a fire” during Shabbat.

What does this mean to you, and why is it revealed now?

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pk0vE-MM_g

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