The Eternal Merit of Joy \ Insight Parashat Vayakhel D'var Torah: "And Moshe assembled the entire nation of Israel" (Shemot 35:1). This gathering took place on the day after Yom Kippur, when Moshe descended from Mount Sinai after praying for HaShem to forgive Klal Yisrael for the sin of the "golden calf." Since Klal Yisrael were in a state of sadness over their accountability for this sin, HaShem mercifully gave them the Mitzvah of building the Mishkan in order to make them happy. They brought their donations for the Mishkan with intense joyfulness. Their spiritual renewal awakened an inner joy for Mitzvot that became ingrained in the hearts of Klal Yisrael forever. What's more, on the merit of their joy to bring materials for the Mishkan, they merited to celebrate the joyous festival of Sukkoth in each generation. After HaShem accepted their repentance on Yom Kippur, HaShem gave them the joyous Mitzvot of Sukkoth and its many beautiful Mitzvot.
Moral: Happiness is the most important good virtue. When a person improves his deeds through the process of repentance, he rejoices in coming close to HaShem, and then merits the presence of the Shechinah to rest upon him.
Application: Envision Klal Yisrael joyfully bringing their donations to build the Mishkan. Sense their happiness intensify and become rooted in their hearts, forever. Feel the joy of coming close to HaShem when performing the Mitzvah of Teshuvah. Rejoice in the Presence of the Shechinah that rests upon you! (Based on the commentary of the Sefas Emes) |
L"N R' Yochanon Mordecai ben Ephraim and Moras Esther Leah bas Yehudah Yoseph
Yochanon Baruch ben Fruma Ettta
Leiba Zlota bas Chana Riva bas HenyaZivia bas RaizelLeah Hadassah bas Michal ChanaChava Bas Michal ChanahChaya Harriet Bat Sophie Lee Mazal Malkah Mollie Bas Sarah |
