Rabbi Frand on Parshas Terumah
These divrei Torah were adapted from the hashkafa portion of Rabbi Yissocher
Frand's Commuter Chavrusah Tapes on the weekly portion: Tape # 228, Selling
A Shul. Good Shabbos!
You Shall Have A Dream
At the end of the description of the Menorah, the pasuk [verse] says,
"(U'Re-ay v'asay..." -- "And see and construct according to the pattern that
you were shown on the mountain" [25:40]. The Baal HaTurim has a very cryptic
and enigmatic comment on this pasuk: "There are only 3 times in all of
Tanach that a pasuk begins with the word 'u'Re-ay' ['And see']".
The other two occurrences are both in Tehillim -- "And see sons to your
children, peace on Israel" [128:6] and "And see if I have an evil way; and
lead me in the way of Eternity" [139:24]. The Baal HaTurim seems to provide
us with a "Jewish Crossword Puzzle". The trick is to find the connection
between these three pasukim [verses]. The Baal HaTurim himself suggests a
common thread, but I will discuss an alternate explanation from the Shemen
HaTov.
Rash"i on our verse comments that Moshe was puzzled about the appearance of
the Menorah, until HaShem [G-d] showed him a replica of the Menorah made out
of fire. Moshe was able to conceptualize all of the other Kaylim [vessels]
of the Mishkan, but somehow he had difficulty conceptualizing the complex
shape and structure of the Menorah. Therefore, HaShem formed a Menorah out
of fire and showed Moshe exactly what the Menorah looked like. However, even
that did not help. We know from another statement of the Sages that even
after Moshe saw the image of the Menorah, he still could not construct it.
Finally, HaShem instructed Moshe to (have Betzalel) throw the gold into the
fire, and the Menorah was created miraculously.
The question must be asked: HaShem knew Moshe's capabilities. If, ultimately,
HaShem knew that Moshe would not be able to construct the Menorah on his
own, why did HaShem ask him to do something that he could not do?
The Shemen HaTov answers: it was vital and crucial for Moshe to see the
shape and form of the Menorah -- even if he would not be able to duplicate
it. A person must have a vision of what is required and expected. If one
does not have the vision, he can not even begin. One must have a dream,
whether that dream can be realized and become a reality or not. The minimum
that is absolutely necessary is the perception of a direction and goal.
The initial image that HaShem showed to Moshe was the vision of the Menorah.
Moshe was then at least aware of the dream -- the ultimate goal. If later,
Moshe could not construct the Menorah himself, then HaShem would help, but
at least Moshe knew what he was trying to accomplish.
There are many things in life that are beyond our capabilities. We need the
Help of Heaven to accomplish them. However, in order to be able to invoke
the Help of Heaven and reach that dream, we must first possess the dream and
the vision. This is what we learn from the pasuk, "See and construct,
according to the image that I showed you on the mountain."
Our Sages tell us that children, life and sustenance are dependent upon
'Mazal' [fortune]. We can do very little about how many children we will
have; what type of children we will have; how our life will turn out; how
our livelihood will go. These are things that are up to HaShem. But we must
have the dream on our own.
The Shemen HaTov explains that this is what Dovid HaMelech [King David] is
saying in the second pasuk in Tehillim "And see..." [139,24]. HaShem, I do
not know what You have in store for me, but if it is not the type of
productive life that I dream for, please fill it in, in accordance with
those dreams. The dreams, however, are mine.
In addition, the Shemen HaTov explains that this is the connection that the
Baal HaTurim is making to the first pasuk, "And see children to your
children; peace on Israel". We never know what we will see from our
children. Who knows? There are so many factors. One can try, put in efforts,
pray, do everything within his power. But who knows what will happen? There
are so many factors that mold and affect a child. But we must have dreams
for our children. I, like you, want to see children from my children. I want
to see my grandchildren sharing my values. I want to see my children
committed to Torah. I want them to be G-d fearing, honest Jews. I want to
see from them, children who share those values as well. That is the
definition of "Peace upon Israel".
These things are not always up to us or under our control to carry out but
we must have the dreams and the wishes. We must always have the proper
directions and goals.
Sources and Personalities
Ba'al HaTurim -- (1268-1340) Commentary on the Torah by Rabbi Yaakov ben
Asher, also authored the Tur, one of the early codes of
Jewish Law. First published in 1514 in Constantinople.
Shemen HaTov -- Rabbi Dov Weinberger - contemporary author, Rabbi in
Brooklyn, NY
Rash"i -- (1040-1105) Rabbi Sh'lomo ben Yitzchak; Troyes and Worms, France;
"Father of all Torah Commentaries."
This write-up was adapted from the hashkafa portion of Rabbi Yissocher
Frand's Commuter Chavrusah Torah Tape series on the weekly Torah portion.
The complete list of halachic topics covered in this series for Parshas
Terumah are provided below:
Also Available: Mesorah / Artscroll has published a collection
of Rabbi Frand's essays. The book is entitled:
and is available through your local Hebrew book store or from
Project Genesis, 1-410-654-1799.
