B"H
Thursday, Adar1- 27, 5784 / March 7, 2024
In the beginning of this week’s Parsha, Vayakhel, Moshe gathered the entire congregation to inform them about the contributions and the special work needed for the Tabernacle. But, first he began with the commandment of observing Shabbat. “And Moshe assembled the entire congregation and said to them, ‘These are the things which G-d commanded, six days you shall work, but the seventh day should be holy - a day of complete rest to G-d.’” Then he continues with the details of the Mishkan.
Q. Moshe wants to tell the people to rest on Shabbat, why does he begin, “six days you shall work”?
A. Moshe wanted to impress upon them that not only resting on Shabbat is because G-d commanded us, but even the work we do during the six working days, is also because G-d told us to work. During the six working days we also have to conduct our work and business according to G-d’s wishes; with integrity, with honesty and contribute to charity as prescribed by the laws of the Torah.
Q. One of the mitzvot which apply every day, except Shabbat and holidays, is the mitzvah of Tefillin which we place on the arm and head. Why don’t we wear the Tefillin on Shabbat and Yom Tov?
A. The Tefillin serve as a sign that G-d took us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Shabbat and holidays are also called a “sign,” between the Jewish people and G-d. Being that Shabbat and Yom Tov are already a sign by themselves, we don’t need the sign of the Tefillin.
Q. Why is it customary to eat fish on Shabbat?
A. Fish in Hebrew is “Dag.” The numerical value of the word “dag” is seven, which represents the seventh day of the week – Shabbat.
The Bnai Yissaschar explains that eating fish on Shabbat represents a triple blessing. Here is how; The Torah tells us that when fish were created, G-d gave them a special blessing; “And G-d blessed them saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply.’” (Gen. 1:22). When G-d created Adam and Eve he gave them also a special blessing, “Be fruitful and multiply.” (Gen. 1:28). Shabbat also has a very special blessing; “And G-d blessed the seventh day.” (Gen. 2:3). By eating fish on Shabbat we combine the above three blessings.
On the lighter side: Chaim to Yankel: “How’s business?”
Yankel: “Oy Vay! Don’t ask Chaim. Every day that my store is open I lose money!”
Chaim: “So how do you make a living, if you lose money each day that your store is open?
Yankel: “Thank G-d for Shabbat when my store is closed!”
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
UNITED WE STAND IN PRAYER FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL
& FOR THE WELFARE OF THE CAPTIVES. MAY THEY BE RELEASED NOW.
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In memory of Margaret Zoldan, Z”L - Miriam Yita Bat Avraham - a sensitive, devoted, loving, caring Mother and Grandmother. Deeply missed by her family. May her Neshamah have an Aliyah.
Andre, Esther, Zachary, Benjamin, Jonah