B"H
Thursday, Adar1 23, 5782 / February 24, 2022
In this week's Parsha, Vayakhel, the Torah states the various materials which the Jewish people contributed for the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its inner contents.
They contributed so quickly and generosly that the craftsmen said to Moshe, "The people are bringing much more than is needed." As a result, only three days after Moshe told them to donate, he had an announcement made that, "No man or woman shall donate any more for the sanctuary."
Moshe said to them, "See G-d has called by nameBetzalelthe son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Yehudah. And He has filled him with the spirit of G-d with wisdom, understanding and knowledge, to devise skillful works, to work in gold, silver, brass and cutting stone for setting and in carving wood to work in all skillful workmanship." Together with Betzalel, G-d appointed Oholiav of the tribe of Dan.
The Midrash states, “Every word in the Torah is exact, nothing is extra. Yet, here the words ‘by name’ seem extra. Moshe should have said, ‘G-d has called Betzalel’”
The Midrash explains, that with the words "by name" the Torah tells us why Betzalel was appointed to head the construction of the Mishkan. He was chosen because of the "good name" which he had earned for himself through the many good deeds which he had performed.
The Midrash continues: There are various names which a person has; one is the name which the parents give them; another is the name which other people may call them; and the third is the good name which the person acquires as a result of his/her good deeds.
"The most important name of all," says the Midrash, "is the one acquired as a result of being kind, performing mitzvot and good deeds."
King Solomon said, "A good name is better than good oil." Our sages explain it as follows:
"The fragrance of good oil can only spread its aroma a short distance, while a good name carries from one end of the world to the other. A fragrant oil lasts only for a while, but a good name lasts for generations. Good oil can be acquired only by the rich, while a good name can be earned by everyone. Good oil can only benefit one who is alive, but a good name is beneficial even after a person leaves this world. Good oil can be destroyed by the elements, while a good name is indestructible."
In the fourth chapter of Pirkei Avot, the Talmudic sage Rabbi Shimon says, "There are three crowns; the crown of Torah; the crown of priesthood (Kehuna) and the crown of kingship (Malchut); but the crown of a good name surpasses them all."
Our sages emphasize the importance of being generous, kind and performing good deeds during one's lifetime, for they help us acquire the crown of a good name which is everlasting.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY