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.<ref>Rashi</ref> |
− | 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.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Counting the Jews was an act of love, just like a shepherd would recount his sheep after a plague befell his flock.<ref>Rashi</ref> Additionally the more the Jews increase, the more the honor of Hashem increases, so counting them would invoke that.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Tzitzis 7">Likutay Halachos Hilchos Tzitzis 7</ref> |
− | 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'. Hundreds of years later the merit of the Machtzit Hashekel collections helped annul the silver Shikalim offered by Haman to gain control of the Jews.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref> |
===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.<ref | + | 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.<ref>Rashi</ref> |
====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.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Tzitzis 7"/> | 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.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Tzitzis 7"/> | ||
− | 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. |
− | This was one of the reasons why 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 | + | This was one of the reasons why 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.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Tzitzis 7"/> |
====Countering Haughtiness==== | ====Countering Haughtiness==== | ||
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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.<ref>Rashi</ref> Each Gerah was equivalent to one silver 'Manah' coin.<ref>Rashi</ref> 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. These coins were also refferd to as a 'Bekka'.<ref name="Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:26">Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:26</ref> 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.<ref>Rashi</ref> |
− | + | ||
− | This Shekel value | + | |
====Part of Whole==== | ====Part of Whole==== | ||
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===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'.<ref>Rashi | + | 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'.<ref>Rashi</ref> 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.<ref>Rashi</ref> There are opinions that the Tribe of Levi was not subject to this collection.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref> |
====20 Years Old==== | ====20 Years Old==== | ||
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====Total Count==== | ====Total Count==== | ||
− | The total count of the Jews was 603,550 adult males.<ref>Rashi</ref> 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.<ref | + | The total count of the Jews was 603,550 adult males.<ref>Rashi</ref> 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.<ref>Rashi Kipshuto</ref> 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.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> |
====Sum==== | ====Sum==== | ||
− | This collection of 603,550 half shekels yielded 100 kikraim and 1775 shekels of silver. Each Kikar was equivalent to 3,000 shekel. Since 600,000 half shekels produced 300,000 full shikalim it equaled 100 Kikarim. An additional 3,550 half shekel equaled 1,175 full shikalim.<ref name="Rashi, | + | This collection of 603,550 half shekels yielded 100 kikraim and 1775 shekels of silver. Each Kikar was equivalent to 3,000 shekel. Since 600,000 half shekels produced 300,000 full shikalim it equaled 100 Kikarim. An additional 3,550 half shekel equaled 1,175 full shikalim.<ref name="Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:26"/> |
====Usage==== | ====Usage==== | ||
− | 100 kikrim were used for the Adanim - sockets both for the Kirashim - beams and for the pillars holding up the Parochet | + | 100 kikrim were used for the Adanim - sockets both for the Kirashim - beams and for the pillars holding up the Parochet. 100 sockets were created in total, each one using a kikar of silver.<ref name="Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:27">Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:27</ref> 96 were used for the 48 Kirashim, who sported two Adonim per beam. An additional 4 Adonim were used for each of the 4 Amudim - pillars.<ref name="Rashi, Shimos, Pikuday 38:27"/> The remaining 1775 shikalim were used for the Vavim - hooks<ref>Parshat Teruma</ref> of the courtyard Amudim and also to coat their tops with silver.<ref>Rashi Pikoday Shemos 38:28</ref> |
===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.<ref | + | 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.<ref>Rashi</ref> This independent collection was used for creation of the Adanim - sockets and the Vavim - hooks for the Mishkan. 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<ref>Rashi</ref> on the 2nd year following the Egyptian exodus and is mentioned in Parshas Bamidbar, whose proceeds were used to buy public sacrifices.<ref>Rashi</ref> |
===Implantation=== | ===Implantation=== | ||
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==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. |
− | ===Size | + | ===Size=== |
− | + | In order for the Kiyor to be valid, it had to have the ability to hold enough water for four Kohanim to wash at the same time.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref> | |
− | In order for the Kiyor to be valid, it had to have the ability to hold enough water for four Kohanim to wash at the same time.<ref>Baal Haturim</ref | + | |
===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.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Even going from a lower state of holiness to a higher state of holiness requires purification.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa | + | Washing from the Kiyor was a purification for minor impurities, similar to a Mikva that cleanses from stronger impurities.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Even going from a lower state of holiness to a higher state of holiness requires purification.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> |
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.<ref>May Hashiloach Parshat Ki Tesisa</ref> | 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.<ref>May Hashiloach Parshat Ki Tesisa</ref> | ||
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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 |
− | + | ||
# '''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. | ||
− | |||
− | |||
===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.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> When prepared properly the Ketoret became categorized as 'holy of holies'.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> It was prepared annually in batches of 368 'mana' (480 grams / 1.06 pounds per 'mana', totaling 176 kilograms / 388.01 pounds)<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> that accounted for the 365 days of the leap year and an additional 3 'mana' used for the Yom Kipor services.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> 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.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> 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.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> 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.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> If even one the Ketoret's ingredients was missing or out of proportion,<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> the person who offered it was punishable by death.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
===Ingredients=== | ===Ingredients=== | ||
− | # '''Nataf''' - Balsam sap equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Nataf is also called 'Tzari' | + | # '''Nataf''' - Balsam sap equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Nataf is also called 'Tzari' since it is sap that comes from a 'Tzari' tree.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | # '''Shichelet''' - Onycha equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> | + | # '''Shichelet''' - Onycha equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> Shichelet is also called 'Tziporen'<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> since it resembles a human fingernail.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | # '''Chelbona''' - Galbanum equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> This spice was a black type of tree sap<ref | + | # '''Chelbona''' - Galbanum equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> This spice was a black type of tree sap<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> 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).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> This frankincense first had to undergo a purification process.<ref | + | # '''Levona''' - Pure frankincense equaling 70 Mana (33.6 kilograms / 74.08 pounds).<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> This frankincense first had to undergo a purification process.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> It is extracted by slashing the bark of the tree and allowing the exuded resin to bleed out and harden.<ref>Wikipedia Frankincense </ref> |
# '''Muhr''' - Myrrh equaling 16 Mana, a resin extracted from a small thorny tree.<ref>Wikipedia Myrrh</ref> | # '''Muhr''' - Myrrh equaling 16 Mana, a resin extracted from a small thorny tree.<ref>Wikipedia Myrrh</ref> | ||
− | # '''Kitza''' - Cassia equaling 16 Mana. When burnt, this spice can be smelled from far.<ref | + | # '''Kitza''' - Cassia equaling 16 Mana. When burnt, this spice can be smelled from far.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | # '''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),<ref | + | # '''Boris Karshina''' - 9 Kabin (around 8 kilograms / 17.64 pounds),<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> 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),<ref | + | # '''Yayin Kafrisin''' - 3 Sah and 3 Kabin (around 28 liter / 7.40 gallons),<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> 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.<ref | + | # '''Chamar Chivar Atik''' - Aged wine that is neither white nor red.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> This was brought in as a replacement when the Yayin Kafrisin wine could not be attained. |
− | # '''Melach Sidomis''' - Salt from the Dead Sea<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> measuring a Rova. Just like all other sacrifices, the Ketoret also required salt.<ref | + | # '''Melach Sidomis''' - Salt from the Dead Sea<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> measuring a Rova. Just like all other sacrifices, the Ketoret also required salt.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | # '''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.<ref | + | # '''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.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> The exact identity of this herb was a well guarded secret known only by a single family who would prepare the Ketoret.<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> |
# '''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<ref | + | As is the Ketoret produced a delightfully fragrant smell, where even a 'krotev' (around 5 grams) of honey<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> 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.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> This was in accordance with the prohibition of sacrificing any honey or leaven to Hashem, since honey symbolizes unnecessary luxuries and leaven symbolizes haughtiness.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
− | + | ||
===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,<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> a Ketoret offering consisting of a half a 'mana' each,<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> 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.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
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.<ref>Mishna Yuma</ref> | 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.<ref>Mishna Yuma</ref> | ||
===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.<ref>Mishna Yuma</ref> To accommodate even the largest of hand-sizes, an additional 3 'mana' (1440 grams / 3.17 pounds)<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> of Ketoret were prepared extra each year for the Yom Kippur services.<ref | + | 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.<ref>Mishna Yuma</ref> To accommodate even the largest of hand-sizes, an additional 3 'mana' (1440 grams / 3.17 pounds)<ref name="Shover Zadim Parashat Ki Tisa"/> of Ketoret were prepared extra each year for the Yom Kippur services.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> On each Yom Kippur Eve, these 3 'mana' were taken and reground into an extremely fine powder.<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
===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<ref | + | * Gains a portion in This World and the World to Come<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Pushes death away from himself and the world<ref | + | * Pushes death away from himself and the world<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Saves from all harsh judgments and illnesses<ref | + | * Saves from all harsh judgments and illnesses<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Auspicious for curing the sick<ref | + | * Auspicious for curing the sick<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Saves from evil eye<ref | + | * Saves from evil eye<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Saves from Gehinum<ref | + | * Saves from Gehinum<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Saves from punishments of other governments<ref | + | * Saves from punishments of other governments<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Causes great pleasure to Hasehm and is preferable to prayer<ref | + | * Causes great pleasure to Hasehm and is preferable to prayer<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Prevents all harm on days recited<ref | + | * Prevents all harm on days recited<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Gives a person grace in the eyes of all who see him<ref | + | * Gives a person grace in the eyes of all who see him<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Auspicious for an easy livelihood and wealth<ref | + | * Auspicious for an easy livelihood and wealth<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
− | * Nullifies bad thoughts<ref | + | * Nullifies bad thoughts<ref>Ketoret Sheet</ref> |
==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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=== Advice of Erev Rav=== | === Advice of Erev Rav=== | ||
− | The leaders of the Erev Rav included Yunis and Yumbruce who performed ‘miracles’ using the ‘names of impurity’.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Basar Vichalav 5:22 | + | The leaders of the Erev Rav included Yunis and Yumbruce who performed ‘miracles’ using the ‘names of impurity’.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Basar Vichalav 5:22/"> They started convincing the Jews with very sophisticated but fallen, crocked Torah teachings.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Birkas Hamazone 5:4-9">Likutay Halachos Hilchos Birkas Hamazone 5:4-9</ref> |
Humans have the power to sway a person to sin even in cases where the ‘Baal Davar’ himself cannot. During the receiving of the Torah, the Jews became completely disconnected from impurity and he did not have the power to make them sin directly himself, so instead he attacked them through the use of the Erev Rav.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Chol Hamoed 4:4">Likutay Halachos Hilchos Chol Hamoed 4:4</ref> | Humans have the power to sway a person to sin even in cases where the ‘Baal Davar’ himself cannot. During the receiving of the Torah, the Jews became completely disconnected from impurity and he did not have the power to make them sin directly himself, so instead he attacked them through the use of the Erev Rav.<ref name="Likutay Halachos Hilchos Chol Hamoed 4:4">Likutay Halachos Hilchos Chol Hamoed 4:4</ref> | ||
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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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====Instructing Repentance for Public Sins==== | ====Instructing Repentance for Public Sins==== | ||
There were some people who had some power to protest but upon seeing the direction of occurrences, chose not to. Part of their calculation involved the realization that eventually the Jews would have to rectify this severe sin and that would set an example for all future generations, that even sins committed by masses could be rectified. If it worked for the severe sin of the golden calf that took place right after the receiving of the Torah, they can repent as well.<ref>Some Chasidish Sefer</ref> | There were some people who had some power to protest but upon seeing the direction of occurrences, chose not to. Part of their calculation involved the realization that eventually the Jews would have to rectify this severe sin and that would set an example for all future generations, that even sins committed by masses could be rectified. If it worked for the severe sin of the golden calf that took place right after the receiving of the Torah, they can repent as well.<ref>Some Chasidish Sefer</ref> | ||
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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=== |