The pasha ends with an admonishment to the Jews that the observance of Shabbat overrides the building of the Tabernacle. This is to teach us that as important as the Tabernacle was, without observance of Shabbat it is meaningless.
Category: Holiness
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We All Have Talent on Loan From God
Bezalel was chosen to be the architect of the Tabernacle. His name translates as “a shadow of God. This is to teach us that we all have talent from God and it is up to us on how we use it.
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We Need the Tabernacle
The purpose of the Tabernacle was not for God but for us. God does not need us to build Him a home. Just as our prayers are more for us than for God.
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Morality & Religion
The difference between the Torah and previous law codes is that the previous law codes were totally secular. The Torah states that even “secular” or ethical laws are from God.
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Taking God’s Name in Vain
The most common understanding of the Commandment of not taking God’s Name in vain is that we should not swear falsely. Another understanding is that we should not do commit a crime in His Name.
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God Wants Action, Not Words
When the Jews get to the Red Sea they seem to be trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army. Moses prays and God tells him to quit praying and jump into the sea. This shows God wants action, not just prayers.
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The True Plague of Darkness
The plague of darkness was much more than three days of darkness. According to the Torah, Egypt was a land of darkness while the Jews, if they follow the Torah are in light.
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True Brotherly Love
When Moses arrived back to Egypt his brother, Aaron, greeted him with love and happiness. Aaron was the older brother and had been in Egypt for all the years that Moses was away. Instead of being jealous he was overjoyed for his brother.
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Know Before Whom You Are Standing
When Moses was at the burning bush he was told to remove his shoes. One of the reasons was that he should stand on rocky ground so that he would feel the pain that the enslaved Jews were feeling. A leader has to understand the pain and suffering of their followers.
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True Repentance
When Judah confronts Joseph concerning Banjamin Joseph realizes that Judah has repented for his earlier actions. It is not enough to say “sorry”, you have to show through your actions that you have repented.