Parashah Roundup: Pekudei 5768

by Steve Brizel

Galus and Geulah

R. Baruch Simon, in his weekly Chumash shiur, based upon the Ramban's introduction to Sefer Shmos and a Midrash discovered by R. Menachem Mendel Kasher zt"l, discusses why the Torah uses “Pekudei HaMishkan” and shows how this term is tied to “Pakod Pakaditie” (3:16) at the beginning of Sefer Shmos: link

The Recounting of the Metals in the Mishkan

The Seforno (as prepared by R. Eliezer Kwass) explains why the Torah sets forth the amounts of the precious metals in the Mishkan: link

Click here to read moreMoshe Rabbeinu's Blessing Upon the Completion of the Mishkan

R. Mordechai Greenberg and R. Jonathan Sacks explores the content and intent of Moshe Rabbeinu's blessing: link 1, link 2

The Erection of the Mishkan

R. Shlomo Riskin discusses why it was necessary for Moshe Rabbeinu to erect the Mishkan: link

The Beis Hakneses and the Beis HaMikdash

R. Yaacov Haber (Torahlab) reminds us that if we have a proper appreciation of the true function of a synagogue, it will enhance our ties to Jerusalem: link

Betzalel's Unique Talents

R. Ephraim Buchwald demonstrates that Betzalel, despite his vast talents, followed the Divine Plan and did not seek praise: link

Meleches Hotzaah and the Mishkan

R. Yissochar Frand, based upon an interpretation of R Shimshon Rafael Hirsch zt"l, suggests that Hotzaah, by its restrictions on human interaction, shows God's mastery over the world. link

Chazak Chazak Vnischazek Department

R. Yitzchak Etshalom, in a Siyum on Sefer Shmos, traces the views of Rishonim in their understanding of the structure of Sefer Shmos: link

R. Avigdor Nevenzal explores the the themes of the Haftarah for Parshas Shekalim - teshuvah from Avodah Zarah, haughtiness and an inability to admit the truth: link

Parshas Shekalim

R. Hershel Schachter discusses the halachic and hashkafic dimensions of Parshas Shekalim: link. Source materials are available via pdf.

The Half Shekel

R. Yaakov Neuberger proves that God showed Moshe Rabbeinu the Half Shekel as a means of showing that every person has the means, to contribute something to the betterment of Klal Yisrael: link

R. Dovid Kamenetsy suggests a connection between the erection of the Mishkan and Chodesh Adar: link