Time for a Taste of Torah - Vayakhel 2014

Each week, I include a Dvar Torah in my email to the KJ Beginners community. Here is this week’s edition.

“Vayakhel Moshe et kol adat b’nei Yisrael…sheishet yamim tei’aseh melacha u’va-yom ha-sh’vi’i yihyeh lachem kodesh Shabbat shabbaton la-Hashem – Moses assembled the entire assembly of the children of Israel…For six days work may be done, but the seventh day shall be holy for you, a day of complete rest for Hashem.” (Shemot/Exodus 35:1,2)

As the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) commences, Moshe gathers the entire Jewish community and instructs them about the laws of Shabbat. It is an interesting convergence of laws and terms. The Mishkan, the house for Hashem and a place of concentrated holiness, is being built. The entire Jewish people are gathered by Moshe using the Hebrew word for community (kahal). This is deemed the appropriate time for reiterating the laws of Shabbat. What is the connection?

The classic explanation given by our Sages in the Talmud is that, even though the construction of the Mishkan is important, none of the work may be done on Shabbat. (This is the source in the Oral Tradition of the 39 Melachot – forbidden categories of creative activities or work on Shabbat.) This, however, does not explain the strange language to gather all the Jews and the special Hebrew term used. The opening verses of our parsha may also be viewed as a reminder of the three most important aspects of the Jewish religion and how interconnected they are. The Mishkan (or contemporary synagogue) represents sacred space; Shabbat represents Jewish observance and sacred time; and the call to the entire community as a kehilla – united group – represents the sacred community. Judaism requires all three, and all three complement each other.

The interplay between shul, Shabbat, and Jewish community are a great lesson each Shabbat as we gather in shul to learn and grow as Jews. It is essential never to forget how important Jewish community is in shul, on Shabbat, or at any time. It is an even timelier message as Shabbat Across America approaches. In two weeks, each of us has the opportunity to gather together as a holy community in a holy place for a holy experience. Be a part of it and encourage others to be a part of it as well!

For a really great dvar Torah on the power of community, see: Rabbi Jonathan Sacks – “Team Building” He’s always great.