B"H
Monday, Adar 17, 5785 / March 17, 2025
In the beginning of this week’s Parsha, Vayakhel, Moshe gathered the entire congregation to inform them about the contributions and the work for the Mishkan-Tabernacle.
First he began with the commandment of observing Shabbat. The Parsha begins, “And Moshe assembled the entire congregation and said to them, ‘These are the things which G-d commanded to be done, Six days you may work, but the seventh day should be holy to you, a day of complete rest to G-d.’” Then Moshe continues describing the details of the Mishkan.
Q. Moshe wants to tell the people to rest on Shabbat, why does he begin, “Six days you may 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 that G-d liberated us from Egyptian bondage, we don’t need the sign of the Tefillin.
Q. One of the foods which are customary to eat on Shabbat is fish. Why?
A. Fish in Hebrew is “Dag.” The numerical value of the word “dag” is seven, which represents the seventh day of the week – Shabbat.
Also, eating fish on Shabbat represents a triple blessing. Here is how; The Torah tells us that, on the fifth day of creation, when fish were created, G-d gave them a special blessing; “And G-d blessed them saying, ‘Be fruitful and multiply.’” (Gen. 1:22). Later when G-d created Adam and Eve he gave them also a special blessing, “And G-d blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply.” (Gen. 1:28). The day of Shabbat also has a very special blessing; “And G-d blessed the seventh day.” (Gen. 2:3).
Thus, when we eat fish on Shabbat we combine the three special blessings to fish, mankind, & Shabbat. A triple blessing has special significance, as we find with the blessing of the Kohen (priest), which is in the form of a triple blessing.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
OUR HEARTS ARE WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY - MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW