Parashat Ki Tisa
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==Machatzit HaShekel== | ==Machatzit HaShekel== | ||
− | Hashem tells Moshe | + | Hashem tells Moshe to count the Jews by collecting a half a shekel per each male above the age twenty. By calculating the total of the Jewish Nation through the counting of the coins, Moshe is able to avoid the creation of a devastating plague that could incur had he counted the actual people. This method was to be used any time the Jews are to be counted. |
− | Here the Jews were counted to update their population status after the fatalities suffered due to the Chet Haegel | + | Here the Jews were counted to update their population status after the fatalities suffered due to the Chet Haegel from the drinking of the powdered waters, the mass execution led by the Levim and the large plague that took place. Counting the Jews was an act of love, just like a shepherd would recount his sheep after a plague befell his flock. Additionally the more the Jews increase, the more the honor of Hashem increases, so counting them would invoke that. |
− | Additionally, the silver coins from this collection were used for the creation of the Adanim and Vavim in the Mishkan | + | Additionally, the silver coins from this collection were used for the creation of the Adanim and Vavim in the Mishkan and served as a remembrance of the Jews before Hashem and as a partial rectification for the 'sin of the golden calf'. |
===Prevention of Plague=== | ===Prevention of Plague=== | ||
− | When things are counted it gives Ayin Hara a grasp over it and can lead to a plague when Jews are counted. This happened when King Dovid had the nation counted directly and a plague broke out, killing thousands. | + | When things are counted it gives Ayin Hara a grasp over it and can lead to a plague when Jews are counted. This happened when King Dovid had the nation counted directly and a plague broke out, killing thousands. |
====Multiplication==== | ====Multiplication==== | ||
− | One of the strengths of the 'Sitra Acher' are their 'mass numbers'. At least in the lower parts of creation, they far outnumber the 'Side of Holiness'. One manifestation being Yisroel vs. the Seventy Nations. Therefore when the 'Side of Holiness' attempts to flaunt its numbers, the 'Sitra Acher' rises up with great protest, declaring how they number many times this amount. This can give them a grasp and domination over the counting, which can even conclude with a plague. | + | One of the strengths of the 'Sitra Acher' are their 'mass numbers'. At least in the lower parts of creation, they far outnumber the 'Side of Holiness'. One manifestation being Yisroel vs. the Seventy Nations. Therefore when the 'Side of Holiness' attempts to flaunt its numbers, the 'Sitra Acher' rises up with great protest, declaring how they number many times this amount. This can give them a grasp and domination over the counting, which can even conclude with a plague. |
− | Masses of the 'Sitra Acher' are limited to their individual units, since each person is separate and not attached or bound to the others. Jews on the other hand, are connected with each others souls. Therefore when they get together, they bind and attach. This causes great multiplication, since each Jew that joins the group creates new combinations and permutations. This mystery is expanded upon in Sefer Yetzira, where it explains how two stones build 2 houses, three stones build 6 houses, four stones build 24 houses, five stones build 120 houses, six stones build 720 houses, seven stones build 5040 houses etc. In short, when Jews unify together, it creates a new entity out of each possible combination and permutation of their souls, which greatly increases each time even a single Jews is added to the assembly. | + | Masses of the 'Sitra Acher' are limited to their individual units, since each person is separate and not attached or bound to the others. Jews on the other hand, are connected with each others souls. Therefore when they get together, they bind and attach. This causes great multiplication, since each Jew that joins the group creates new combinations and permutations. This mystery is expanded upon in Sefer Yetzira, where it explains how two stones build 2 houses, three stones build 6 houses, four stones build 24 houses, five stones build 120 houses, six stones build 720 houses, seven stones build 5040 houses etc. In short, when Jews unify together, it creates a new entity out of each possible combination and permutation of their souls, which greatly increases each time even a single Jews is added to the assembly. |
− | + | Therefore a half a shekel was collected instead of the actual people being counted, as it symbolized how each Jew was only a partial unit that must join the assembly for completion. This in-turn invoked the creation of countless entities through all the combinations and permutations that were produced. These created entities far outnumbered the single units from the masses of the Sitra Acher, completely nullifying their power. | |
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===Half a Shekel=== | ===Half a Shekel=== | ||
− | Each shekel equaled 20 Gerahs or 4 Zuz, | + | Each shekel equaled 20 Gerahs or 4 Zuz, making each half shekel coin equal ten Gerah or 2 Zuz. Each Gerah was equivalent to one silver 'Manah' coin. This Shekel value was used throughout the Torah, specifically for the redemption of 'Arichin evaluations' and 'donated inherited properties'. Half shekel coins were minted from pure silver without any contaminations or mixed alloys. Moshe was unsure of the exact size of the Machatzit Hashekel, so Hashem showed him a coin made from fire whose dimensions would define the weight of the silver 'half shekel' coin. |
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− | This Shekel value | + | |
====Part of Whole==== | ====Part of Whole==== | ||
− | Half shekel coins were used to show how each Jew himself was incomplete and could only become whole when he joins with other Jews. | + | Half shekel coins were used to show how each Jew himself was incomplete and could only become whole when he joins with other Jews. |
====Moshe's Complication==== | ====Moshe's Complication==== | ||
− | Unlike other charities and collection where individuals could donate as they willed or could afford, the Machtzit Hashekel collection mandated a set donation. Those that were rich could not give more and those that were poor could not give less. This | + | Unlike other charities and collection where individuals could donate as they willed or could afford, the Machtzit Hashekel collection mandated a set donation. Those that were rich could not give more and those that were poor could not give less. This alluded to the humbling of the wealthy's haughtiness and the raising of the impoverished's humility. Just like haughtiness is an unsavory characteristic, so too is unhealthy humility that can lead to shyness, sheepishness, timidness, insecurity and meekness causing 'constricted consciousness', low self esteem and laziness, all of which inhibit a person from properly serving Hashem. The Machtzit Hashekel was the half point of the money unit, denoting the medium of this calculation of attaining the balance between 'haughtiness' and 'unhealthy humility'. |
− | Moshe was perplexed how he could merit every Jew to attain this balance of having | + | |
− | + | Moshe was perplexed how he could merit every Jew to attain this balance of having complete true humility, of being a complete nothing with no vested self interests, yet at the same time retaining the ability to completely strong and energetic with holy brazenness, not allowing anything to push him over. | |
===The Collection=== | ===The Collection=== | ||
− | Only males over the age of twenty, were subject to the Machatzit HaShekel collection. This was the age of eligibility to enter the Jewish army, and at that age a male would enter the category of being a 'man'. | + | Only males over the age of twenty, were subject to the Machatzit HaShekel collection. This was the age of eligibility to enter the Jewish army, and at that age a male would enter the category of being a 'man'. Each individual had to submit precisely a half a shekel, not more, not less, regardless if the individual was wealthy or poor. As part of the process, everyone lined up then passed through the registration one by one, submitting their half shekel coin. |
====20 Years Old==== | ====20 Years Old==== | ||
− | The twenty year old age bracket for entering the Machzit Hashekel count was not dependent on the exact date of birth but rather if the individual had reached | + | The twenty year old age bracket for entering the Machzit Hashekel count was not dependent on the exact date of birth but rather if the individual had reached the age of twenty by Rosh Chodesh Teshri. Therefore anyone that was born between [[Rosh Hashanah]] and Yom Kipor, although they were technically 20 years old, were not eligible for this count. |
====Total Count==== | ====Total Count==== | ||
− | The total count of the Jews was 603,550 adult males. | + | The total count of the Jews was 603,550 adult males. This was the same exact total achieved for the Second Machtzit Hashekel count that place around six months later. Although the 'initial count' took place on the first year following the Egyptian exodus and the 'second count' took place during second year, there was no population increase, although more males had turned twenty. This was because the 'years in the desert' were calculated starting from Rosh Chodesh Nisson, while the eligibility bracket for being counted, was set by individuals that had already been 20 years old on Rosh Chodesh Tishri. Therefore, any individual that had not been eligible during the 'first count' was not eligible during the 'second count' and the same exact people were recounted. At the same time, no one had died during this six month period, since as long as the Jews did not commit any sins in the desert they were protected by the clouds from all natural death and illnesses. |
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===Date=== | ===Date=== | ||
− | This was one of three collections and took place right at the start of the Mishkan collection right after Yom Kipor following Moshe's second descent upon attaining forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf. | + | This was one of three collections and took place right at the start of the Mishkan collection right after Yom Kipor following Moshe's second descent upon attaining forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf. This independent collection yielded 100 kikraim and 1775 shekels of silver, the 100 kikrim were used for the Adanim - sockets and the remaining shikalim for the Vavim - hooks. The two other collections included the actual Mishkan collection and the second Machatzit HaShekel collection that took place immediately after the building of the Mishkan around six months following the first collection, during the month of Iyyar on the 2nd year following the Egyptian exodus and is mentioned in Parshas Bamidbar, whose proceeds were used to buy public sacrifices. |
===Implantation=== | ===Implantation=== | ||
− | Aside from gaining an accurate census following the plague, Moshe also used the Machtzit Hashekel collection process to imbue the Jewish Nation with the attribute of 'measured constriction'. Constriction is a very needed ability for spiritual progress, as it prevents the negative effects that can be caused by 'over excitement' and an 'inflamed imagination'. These can lead a person to crash when he comes to term with the reality not matching his expectations and also prevents him from doing actions out of unbalanced excitement that he will later regret. | + | Aside from gaining an accurate census following the plague, Moshe also used the Machtzit Hashekel collection process to imbue the Jewish Nation with the attribute of 'measured constriction'. Constriction is a very needed ability for spiritual progress, as it prevents the negative effects that can be caused by 'over excitement' and an 'inflamed imagination'. These can lead a person to crash when he comes to term with the reality not matching his expectations and also prevents him from doing actions out of unbalanced excitement that he will later regret. Additionally when a person omits too much self excitement, he impresses his personal agendas and energy on those around him, inhibiting their own individual growth. |
− | As long as the Jews were never counted, their individualites were unrestricted leading to the negative nonrestrictive attributes of 'over excitement' and 'inflamed imagination'. By counting them and making each person a single measured unit of the overall entire nation, Moshe implanted in them the ability to better use 'measured constriction' for their personal spiritual growth, thereby influencing all generations descending from them. | + | As long as the Jews were never counted, their individualites were unrestricted leading to the negative nonrestrictive attributes of 'over excitement' and 'inflamed imagination'. By counting them and making each person a single measured unit of the overall entire nation, Moshe implanted in them the ability to better use 'measured constriction' for their personal spiritual growth, thereby influencing all generations descending from them. |
− | Enacting this transformation was dangerous since bringing them to a state of constriction raised the possibility of the constriction going too far and turning into judgments, | + | Enacting this transformation was dangerous since bringing them to a state of constriction raised the possibility of the constriction going too far and turning into judgments, which would in-turn greatly increased the already existing threat of the counting leading to a plague. This was especially true for the first Machtzit Hashekel count, where this implantation was first introduced. To counteract this, Moshe used the silver coins gathered in this initial collection for the construction of the Mishkan. One of the functions of the Mishkan and Beis Hamikdash was to serve as a balancing center, used to provide equilibrium between 'over excitement' and too much 'constriction'. This was accomplished when everyone would gather by it as one large nation, yet retain elements of their individuality to a degree. By binding the Machtzit Hashekel collection with the Mishkan, Moshe was able to transfer some equilibrium into this process and prevented it from causing too much constriction, thereby averting the plague. |
==Kiyor HaNechoshet== | ==Kiyor HaNechoshet== | ||
− | Hashem tells Moshe to create a copper washstand | + | Hashem tells Moshe to create a copper washstand that would be used by the Kohanim to wash their hands and feet before entering Ohel Moed or performing any rituals by the external altar. Doing either of the above without first washing one's hands and feet was punishable by death. The washstand was placed between the Ohel Moed and the altar. |
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===Reading Parshat HaKiyor=== | ===Reading Parshat HaKiyor=== | ||
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===Cleansing=== | ===Cleansing=== | ||
− | Washing from the Kiyor was a purification for minor impurities, similar to a Mikva that cleanses from stronger impurities. | + | Washing from the Kiyor was a purification for minor impurities, similar to a Mikva that cleanses from stronger impurities. Even going from a lower state of holiness to a higher state of holiness requires purification. |
− | While washing their hands and feet, the Kohanim would meditate on cleaning and removing all thoughts of haughtiness and self interests from their minds so they can perform the Temple services for the sake of Hashem alone. Similarly one is to perform similar meditations while reciting the section of the Kiyor before prayers so he can pray for the sake of Hashem without haughtiness or vested self interests. | + | While washing their hands and feet, the Kohanim would meditate on cleaning and removing all thoughts of haughtiness and self interests from their minds so they can perform the Temple services for the sake of Hashem alone. Similarly one is to perform similar meditations while reciting the section of the Kiyor before prayers so he can pray for the sake of Hashem without haughtiness or vested self interests. |
==Shemen HaMishcha== | ==Shemen HaMishcha== | ||
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===Components=== | ===Components=== | ||
− | The Shemen HaMishcha anointing oil was only to be compounded from the finest | + | The Shemen HaMishcha anointing oil was only to be compounded from the finest spices using the art of the perfumer. It included.... |
− | # '''Shemen Zayit''' - Olive oil measuring one | + | # '''Shemen Zayit''' - Olive oil measuring one Hin |
# '''Muhr Dror''' - Pure myrrh weighing 500 shekels. | # '''Muhr Dror''' - Pure myrrh weighing 500 shekels. | ||
− | # '''Kinhamon Bosem''' - Fragrant cinnamon weighing 500 shekels. | + | # '''Kinhamon Bosem''' - Fragrant cinnamon weighing 500 shekels. |
− | # '''Kaneh Bosem''' - | + | # '''Kaneh Bosem''' - Fragrant cane weighing 250 shekels. |
− | # '''Kidah''' - Cassia | + | # '''Kidah''' - Cassia weighing 500 shekels. |
===Anointments=== | ===Anointments=== | ||
− | + | When anointed, these vessels became categorized as 'holy of holies' and any object that touched them became 'holy'. | |
# '''Ohel Moed''' - Tent of Meeting | # '''Ohel Moed''' - Tent of Meeting | ||
# '''Aron Hadut''' - Ark of Testimony | # '''Aron Hadut''' - Ark of Testimony | ||
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# '''Menorah''' - Candelabra including all its vessels | # '''Menorah''' - Candelabra including all its vessels | ||
# '''Mizbeach HaKetoret''' - Altar of incense | # '''Mizbeach HaKetoret''' - Altar of incense | ||
− | # '''Mizbeach Ha'olah''' - Altar of the burnt offering | + | # '''Mizbeach Ha'olah''' - Altar of the burnt offering |
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# '''Aharon and his sons''' - Aharon and his four sons Nadav, Avihu, Elazar and Itamar. | # '''Aharon and his sons''' - Aharon and his four sons Nadav, Avihu, Elazar and Itamar. | ||
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===Exclusivity=== | ===Exclusivity=== | ||
− | It is | + | It is forbidden to compound oil using the Shemen Hamishcha formula. Additionally it is forbidden to use this oil on anyone other then Kings and the Kohen Gadol. Anyone who transgress the above receives Karet and becomes cut off from his people. |
==Ketoret HaSamim== | ==Ketoret HaSamim== | ||
− | Hashem tells Moshe to | + | Hashem tells Moshe to create an incense formula, compounding it according to the art of the perfumer, to be burnt twice daily on the golden altar inside Ohel Moed. It should be well blended, pure, and holy. |
===Preparation=== | ===Preparation=== | ||
− | The Ketoret incense contained 11 main spices. Four are written openly in the Torah and the rest are alluded to in the verse. | + | The Ketoret incense contained 11 main spices. Four are written openly in the Torah and the rest are alluded to in the verse. All spices had to be pure (Tahor) from any spiritual impurities (Tumah), they had to be purchased using sacred money (Hekdesh) and had to be ground up very finely. When prepared properly the Ketoret became categorized as 'holy of holies'. It was prepared annually in batches of 368 'mana' (480 grams / 1.06 pounds per 'mana', totaling 176 kilograms / 388.01 pounds) that accounted for the 365 days of the leap year and an additional 3 'mana' used for the Yom Kipor services. Leftover portions of Ketoret from non leap years and from the varying hand sizes of the Kohen Gadal who served each year on Yom Kipor, were saved and once every 60 - 70 years only a 50% reduced annual batch of 184 'mana' was made. It was permitted to produce the Ketoret in third or quarter sized batches as long as the ingredients were kept to the same proportions of the full batch. When preparing the Ketoret, the grinder would say "grind well, become well ground". He would repeat this over and over during the entire time of grinding since speech was auspicious for a successful incense. If even one the Ketoret's ingredients was missing or out of proportion, the person who offered it was punishable by death. |
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===Ingredients=== | ===Ingredients=== | ||
− | # '''Nataf''' - Balsam sap equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds). | + | # '''Nataf''' - Balsam sap equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds). Nataf is also called 'Tzari' since it is sap that comes from a 'Tzari' tree. |
− | # '''Shichelet''' - Onycha equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds). | + | # '''Shichelet''' - Onycha equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds). Shichelet is also called 'Tziporen' since it resembles a human fingernail. |
− | # '''Chelbona''' - Galbanum equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds). | + | # '''Chelbona''' - Galbanum equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds). This spice was a black type of tree sap that had a horrid smell and its inclusion comes to symbolize how the wicked should be included in gatherings of repentance. |
− | # '''Levona''' - Pure frankincense equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds). | + | # '''Levona''' - Pure frankincense equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds). This frankincense first had to undergo a purification process. It is extracted by slashing the bark of the tree and allowing the exuded resin to bleed out and harden. |
− | # '''Muhr''' - Myrrh equaling 16 Mana, a resin extracted from a small thorny tree. | + | # '''Muhr''' - Myrrh equaling 16 Mana, a resin extracted from a small thorny tree. |
− | # '''Kitza''' - Cassia equaling 16 Mana. When burnt, this spice can be smelled from far. | + | # '''Kitza''' - Cassia equaling 16 Mana. When burnt, this spice can be smelled from far. |
− | # '''Shibolet Nerd''' - Spikenard equaling 16 Mana | + | # '''Shibolet Nerd''' - Spikenard equaling 16 Mana |
# '''Carkum''' - Saffron equaling 16 Mana | # '''Carkum''' - Saffron equaling 16 Mana | ||
# '''Koshet''' - Costus equaling 12 Mana, a white root with great fragrance, that can be smelled from far. | # '''Koshet''' - Costus equaling 12 Mana, a white root with great fragrance, that can be smelled from far. | ||
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====Additional Ingredients==== | ====Additional Ingredients==== | ||
− | # '''Boris Karshina''' - 9 Kabin (around 8 kilograms / 17.64 pounds), | + | # '''Boris Karshina''' - 9 Kabin (around 8 kilograms / 17.64 pounds), This was a form of soap originating from the city of Karshina. It was used to clean the Levona and Tziporen - onycha which would be black and dirty when extracted from the ground. It was then cleaned with the soap to prevent the dirt from ruining its googd smell. |
− | # '''Yayin Kafrisin''' - 3 Sah and 3 Kabin (around 28 liter / 7.40 gallons), | + | # '''Yayin Kafrisin''' - 3 Sah and 3 Kabin (around 28 liter / 7.40 gallons), a strong form of wine used to soak the Tziporen - onycha to strength its smell and help it travel further. Although soaking the Tziporen in urine instead would have strengthened it even more, it was not used since urine was not brought into the Temple out of respect. |
− | # '''Chamar Chivar Atik''' - Aged wine that is neither white nor red. | + | # '''Chamar Chivar Atik''' - Aged wine that is neither white nor red. This was brought in as a replacement when the Yayin Kafrisin wine could not be attained. |
− | # '''Melach Sidomis''' - Salt from the Dead Sea | + | # '''Melach Sidomis''' - Salt from the Dead Sea measuring a Rova. Just like all other sacrifices, the Ketoret also required salt. |
− | # '''Maleh Ashan''' - A secret herb that caused the smoke of the Ketoret to pillar up in a straight column, preventing it from billowing to the sides. Any minimal amount of this herb was sufficient to do the job. | + | # '''Maleh Ashan''' - A secret herb that caused the smoke of the Ketoret to pillar up in a straight column, preventing it from billowing to the sides. Any minimal amount of this herb was sufficient to do the job. The exact identity of this herb was a well guarded secret known only by a single family who would prepare the Ketoret. |
# '''Kipat Hayarden''' - A fragrant flower that grows near the banks of the Jordan River, any minimal amount does the job. This added element was only recollected in the tradition passed down to [[Rabbi Natan HaBavli|Rabbi Nassan HaBavli]]. | # '''Kipat Hayarden''' - A fragrant flower that grows near the banks of the Jordan River, any minimal amount does the job. This added element was only recollected in the tradition passed down to [[Rabbi Natan HaBavli|Rabbi Nassan HaBavli]]. | ||
====No Honey==== | ====No Honey==== | ||
− | As is the Ketoret produced a delightfully fragrant smell, where even a 'krotev' (around 5 grams) of honey | + | As is the Ketoret produced a delightfully fragrant smell, where even a 'krotev' (around 5 grams) of honey to be added to its ingredients the smell would have been greatly increased until it would have become overwhelming. Despite this it was forbidden to add honey to the Ketoret and doing so would disqualify its use in the Beit Hamikdash. This was in accordance with the prohibition of sacrificing any honey or leaven to Hashem, since honey symbolizes unnecessary luxuries and leaven symbolizes haughtiness. |
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===Exclusivity=== | ===Exclusivity=== | ||
− | It is forbidden to compound incense using the Ketoret formula | + | It is forbidden to compound incense using the Ketoret formula. Anyone who clones the Ketoret to smell it's fragrance, receives Karet and becomes cut off from his people. |
===Daily Service=== | ===Daily Service=== | ||
− | Twice each day | + | Twice each day including Shabbat and holidays, a Ketoret offering consisting of a half a 'mana' each, was burnt on the inner Mizbeach Hazahav. The morning Ketoret was offered following the cleaning of the Menorah lamps and the afternoon Ketoret was offered following the lighting of the Menorah. |
− | Since the burning of the Ketoret was auspicious for wealth and was therefore a much desired job, it was allotted via the use of a lotto. Any Kohen that won the job of burning the Ketoret was never given a chance to do so again. | + | Since the burning of the Ketoret was auspicious for wealth and was therefore a much desired job, it was allotted via the use of a lotto. Any Kohen that won the job of burning the Ketoret was never given a chance to do so again. |
===Yom Kippur Service=== | ===Yom Kippur Service=== | ||
− | Each Yom Kippur the Kohen Gadol would a double handful of Ketoret in the Kodesh Hakadashim. There was not set amount for this offering and it was dependent of the hand-size size of the incumbent Kohen Gadol and how much he could hold with both hands cupped together. | + | Each Yom Kippur the Kohen Gadol would a double handful of Ketoret in the Kodesh Hakadashim. There was not set amount for this offering and it was dependent of the hand-size size of the incumbent Kohen Gadol and how much he could hold with both hands cupped together. To accommodate even the largest of hand-sizes, an additional 3 'mana' (1440 grams / 3.17 pounds) of Ketoret were prepared extra each year for the Yom Kippur services. On each Yom Kippur Eve, these 3 'mana' were taken and reground into an extremely fine powder. |
===Reading the Ketoret=== | ===Reading the Ketoret=== | ||
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====Segulot of Ketoret==== | ====Segulot of Ketoret==== | ||
− | * Gains a portion in This World and the World to Come | + | * Gains a portion in This World and the World to Come |
− | * Pushes death away from himself and the world | + | * Pushes death away from himself and the world |
− | * Saves from all harsh judgments and illnesses | + | * Saves from all harsh judgments and illnesses |
− | * Auspicious for curing the sick | + | * Auspicious for curing the sick |
− | * Saves from evil eye | + | * Saves from evil eye |
− | * Saves from Gehinum | + | * Saves from Gehinum |
− | * Saves from punishments of other governments | + | * Saves from punishments of other governments |
− | * Causes great pleasure to Hasehm and is preferable to prayer | + | * Causes great pleasure to Hasehm and is preferable to prayer |
− | * Prevents all harm on days recited | + | * Prevents all harm on days recited |
− | * Gives a person grace in the eyes of all who see him | + | * Gives a person grace in the eyes of all who see him |
− | * Auspicious for an easy livelihood and wealth | + | * Auspicious for an easy livelihood and wealth |
− | * Nullifies bad thoughts | + | * Nullifies bad thoughts |
==Construction of Mishkan== | ==Construction of Mishkan== | ||
===Appointment of Betzalel=== | ===Appointment of Betzalel=== | ||
− | Hashem tell Moshe to appoint Betzalel ben Uri ben Chur from the tribe of Yehudah in charge of the Mishkan's construction. Hashem imbued Betzalel with divine spirit, wisdom, insight, knowledge and talent for all sorts of craftsmanship. He used his abilities to manage the master weaving, goldsmithing, silversmithing, copper work, gemstone setting and wood crafting. | + | Hashem tell Moshe to appoint Betzalel ben Uri ben Chur from the tribe of Yehudah in charge of the Mishkan's construction. Hashem imbued Betzalel with divine spirit, wisdom, insight, knowledge and talent for all sorts of craftsmanship. He used his abilities to manage the master weaving, goldsmithing, silversmithing, copper work, gemstone setting and wood crafting. |
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===Assistants=== | ===Assistants=== | ||
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===The Luchos=== | ===The Luchos=== | ||
After Hashem finished speaking with Moshe on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two stone tablets of the testimony, written with the finger of Hashem in His own inscription. Letters on the tablets were engraved and channels completely through. Yet despite this, regardless of which direction the tablets were looked at, miraculously they would be written in the correct direction. | After Hashem finished speaking with Moshe on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two stone tablets of the testimony, written with the finger of Hashem in His own inscription. Letters on the tablets were engraved and channels completely through. Yet despite this, regardless of which direction the tablets were looked at, miraculously they would be written in the correct direction. | ||
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− | + | ===Creation of Golden Calf=== | |
+ | When the people saw that Moses was late in coming down from the mountain, they gathered against Aharon, and requested that he create for them a god to replace Moshe, as they do not know what happened to him. Aharon asked them to gather the golden earrings from the ears of their wives, sons and daughters and bring them to him. Instead of gathering them from their family members, the people stripped off their own gold earrings and brought them to Aharon. | ||
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Aharon took these from their hands, fashioned it with an engraving tool and made it into a molten calf. The people then exclaimed "These are your gods, Nation of Yisroel, who have brought you up from the land of Egypt!" | Aharon took these from their hands, fashioned it with an engraving tool and made it into a molten calf. The people then exclaimed "These are your gods, Nation of Yisroel, who have brought you up from the land of Egypt!" | ||
− | When Aharon saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and proclaimed that tomorrow they will make a celebration. On the next day the people arose early, offered up burnt offerings, peace offerings and then sat down to eat, drink, and make merry. | + | When Aharon saw this , he built an altar in front of the calf and proclaimed that tomorrow they will make a celebration. On the next day the people arose early, offered up burnt offerings, peace offerings and then sat down to eat, drink, and make merry. |
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===Briefing of Moshe=== | ===Briefing of Moshe=== | ||
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===Breaking of the Luchos=== | ===Breaking of the Luchos=== | ||
As Moshe drew close to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing before it. Moshe became enraged, he flung the tablets from his hands, shattering them at the foot of the mountain. | As Moshe drew close to the camp, he saw the calf and the dancing before it. Moshe became enraged, he flung the tablets from his hands, shattering them at the foot of the mountain. | ||
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===Eradication of the Golden Calf=== | ===Eradication of the Golden Calf=== | ||
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====Killing Brothers==== | ====Killing Brothers==== | ||
− | Since the entire Tribe of Levi had not sinned, the command to kill their convicted brothers only applied to half brothers born from their mother who had remarried into a different tribe. | + | Since the entire Tribe of Levi had not sinned, the command to kill their convicted brothers only applied to half brothers born from their mother who had remarried into a different tribe. Although this was a rare occurrence, since there was a period during that generation where each woman gave birth to six kids at a time, even a few occurrences of such a situation produced many cases. |
===Moshe Requests Forgiveness=== | ===Moshe Requests Forgiveness=== | ||
On the morning following the 'sin of the calf', Moshe told the Jews that they had committed a grave sin and he will now go up to Hashem to see if he could obtain an atonement for this. | On the morning following the 'sin of the calf', Moshe told the Jews that they had committed a grave sin and he will now go up to Hashem to see if he could obtain an atonement for this. | ||
− | Moshe returned to Hashem and acknowledged that the Jews had committed a grave sin by creating a god of gold. He proceeded to request that Hashem forgive their sin and if He refused then, he Moshe should be erased from the Torah. Hashem responded that He would erase from the Torah only those that had sinned against Him. For now Hashem will postpone the punishment of their sin but on the day He makes an accounting, He will bring their sin to account against them. Moshe could continue to lead the Jews to Eretz Yisroel, however they will no longer be lead directly by Hashem, instead an angel will go before them. | + | Moshe returned to Hashem and acknowledged that the Jews had committed a grave sin by creating a god of gold. He proceeded to request that Hashem forgive their sin and if He refused then, he Moshe should be erased from the Torah. Hashem responded that He would erase from the Torah only those that had sinned against Him. For now Hashem will postpone the punishment of their sin but on the day He makes an accounting, He will bring their sin to account against them. Moshe could continue to lead the Jews to Eretz Yisroel, however they will no longer be lead directly by Hashem, instead an angel will go before them. |
====Erased From Torah==== | ====Erased From Torah==== | ||
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==Second Luchos== | ==Second Luchos== | ||
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[[Category:Parsha]] | [[Category:Parsha]] |