Daily Aliya for Pekudei, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe completed the proper placement of the Tabernacle vessels. When Moshe finished this task a Cloud of Glory and the Divine Presence filled the Tabernacle. This cloud also served as the Jews' guide throughout their desert sojourn: when the cloud lifted, the people would travel, following the cloud until it rested, where they would set up camp until the cloud would lift again.

Rashi says that on the 8th day of the dedication of the Mishkan, Moshe and Aharon were on equal status. But only on that day. After that, Moshe is "only" a Levi, and Aharon takes over the reins. It is said that Moshe would have been the Kohen Gadol, except for the way he spoke to G-d at the Burning Bush. It was then that G-d brought Aharon to Moshe, so to speak, to share the responsibilities and privileges of leadership.

Daily Aliya for Pekudei, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: And it came to pass that on the first day of Nissan in the year out of Egypt, the Mishkan was completed. That is a bit less than a year out of Egypt.

In this Aliya, the Torah spells out the step-by-step procedures of finally carrying out the commands of Parshiyot Teruma, Tetzaveh, beginning of Pekudei, all of Vayakhel. Sort of the "GO" mark for everything they've prepared to do.

Daily Aliya for Pekudei, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d instructed Moshe to erect the Tabernacle on the first of Nissan. G‑d also instructed Moshe to place all the Tabernacle's vessels in their proper places, and to anoint all of the items with the anointing oil, thus sanctifying them. Moshe is also directed to dress Aaron and his sons in the priestly garments, and to anoint them, too.

Note that Aaron's sons were also anointed. Regular kohanim are not; they were exceptions. It gave them a status of Kohen Gadol. That's why Elazar and Itamar were not able to tend to the bodies of their brothers Nadav and Avihu and cousins were called in to take care of things. Aaron's sons needed to be anointed, because they weren't kohanim by birth.

Daily Aliya for Pekudei, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The craftspeople brought their finished products to Moshe. Moshe saw that all the work had been done exactly to G‑d's specifications, and he blessed the workers. The Torah once again enumerates all of the components of the Mishkan. And repeats over and over again that the People did everything that G-d had commanded Moshe.

After all the issues the Jews had with the Golden Calf, repeating eighteen times that the Jews did as they were instructed is the positive reinforcement we need/needed. Years ago I read that the typical child hears 300 negative reinforcements (i.e. "don't touch that") for every one positive. Consider this Aliya our encouragement to break that habit and reinforce positivity around us.

Daily Aliya for Pekudei, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The rest of the priestly garments were completed: The high priest's me'il (blue robe adorned with golden bells and cloth "pomegranates") and tzitz (a golden band worn on the forehead, which was engraved with the words "Holy to G‑d"); and the four garments worn by both the high priest and the regular priests: tunics, turbans, sashes and pants. With this, the construction of the Tabernacle and all its vessels and accoutrement were finished.

Talmud Yerushalmi notes that the phrase, "as G-d had commanded Moshe" appears 18 times in P'kudei. Correspondingly, we have 18 brachot in our weekday Amida - strengthening the connection between Service in the Mikdash and Davening is that davening (praying) is a replacement for the service done in the Mikdash.

Daily Aliya for Pekudei, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The high priest's ephod -- a reversed apron which covered the back -- and its precious-stone-studded shoulder straps were made. The High Priest's Choshen Mishpat ("Breastplate of Judgment") was assembled. It contained four rows of precious stones, each row containing three stones. Artisans engraved the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israelupon these twelve stones. The Choshen Misphat was then secured by straps which connected it to the ephod.

The names of the 12 tribes were engraved on the stones, six on each stone. How the names were divided is the subject of dispute among our various sources. One reason why this could be imporatnt is because the stones were very useful in answering questions and helping in battle, and the tribes' name placement could be the reason. Not because of where each name was, but because each name was represented equally. The dispute is geared toward dividing the names equally, so everyone can get credit for the stones' helpfulness.

Daily Aliya for Pekudei, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: This portion, Pekudei, describes the manufacture of the vestments of the priests and high priests -- which were already described in the portion of Tetzaveh, where G‑d instructs Moshe how these garments are to be assembled. The Tabernacle is erected, and G‑d's presence dwells therein.

Aliya Summary: This Aliya gives an exact accounting of the amounts of gold, silver and copper donated for the construction of the Tabernacle, as well as the vessels and building materials constructed with these supplies.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Tabernacle's construction is capped off with the construction of the Outer Altar, the copper wash stand, the mesh curtains which surrounded the Tabernacle courtyard, and the beams and hooks which anchored them.

The final vessel described is the Washing Basin and its Stand. It was made of copper. Tradition tells us that the copper came from the mirrors of the Israelite women. At first, Moshe did not want to accept them because of the vanity associated with mirrors. G-d, however, told Moshe how very precious this gift was in His eyes, because they reminded Him (so to speak) of the role Jewish women played in the redemption of the people from Egypt.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya describes the construction of the Menora (With the exception of the oil cups, everything else - the branches, decorative orbs, cups, flowers - was hammered from one piece of gold) and the Incense Altar. The anointing oil and the incense are also prepared.

What's the significance of having it made of one piece of gold? Perhaps it's to accentuate the point that it's not the top of the branch that is most important because it holds the oil, and it's not the bottom of the base that's most important because it keep the Menora standing, but every piece is equally important, as is the case with every Jew and every member of society. Everyone has their roles, but we're all one big piece of gold.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The construction continued. In this Aliya, the craftspeople construct the Tabernacle wall panels, their sockets, the curtains which covered the entrance to the sanctuary and which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the sanctuary, the Ark, and the Showbread Table.

Half of this Aliya describes what Bezlalel was to do, and the second half describes Betzalel actually doing what he was supposed to do. Why not just say that he did was he was instructed? Rash says that because he put his heart into it, the Torah describes everything he did. This description isn't for his benefit, but for us to realize that our thoughtful efforts are recognized.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: When G-d commanded Moshe about the Mishkan, He first commanded the making of the Aron, Shulchan, and Menora. Then, the roofing layers - the Mishkan, the Ohel, and the Orot. Only then were the wall boards and foundation sockets brought into the picture. In the carrying out of the commands, a more "practical" plan was followed. The structure and then the furnishings. But how can Moshe and Bezalel deviate from the commands of G-d? You can't just do whatever you want in this kind of thing.

Commentaries say that Moshe and Bezalel requested and received permission from G-d to take the more human, practical approach. In this Aliya, the three layers of ceiling are presented. Note that the first layer was a beautiful, multicolored weave and the fasteners were gold. Over that came the more practical, less attractive, less complicated, weather-resistant Ohel of goat hair. This layer was not seen from inside the Mishkan, and might not have been seen from the outside either, according to the opinion that the Tachash and Red-dyed sheep skin covering (which was also attractive) was not just on top.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe announces G‑d's choice of Bezalel and Oholiav to serve as foremen of the Tabernacle construction project, and he transfers to them all the donated materials. The people, however, continued donating generously, until the craftspeople report to Moshe that they have more than enough materials to complete their task, causing Moshe to issue a proclamation requesting everyone to cease donating materials.

Heard from Rabbi Menachem Rottenberg, the then exec. dir. of Yeshiva of Central Queens: Look at the greatness of Bezalel (and his crew), who were able to work with the gold, silver, and copper, as well as with stone and wood. As gold craftsmen, it wasn't beneath them to work with stone and wood, as well.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Many people are moved to give generously in response to Moshe's appeal. Men and women all give (there are different interpretations as to what the wording in the pasuk indicates). In addition to donations, men, and more so women, donated their talents in weaving, dyeing, woodwork, metalwork, etc. Repeated reference is made to the hearts of the people being in what they were doing. This was a genuine positive response to G-d's and Moshe's call to build the Mishkan. The leaders of the Tribes supplied the precious stones for the shoulder-pieces of the Eifod and for the Choshen of the Kohen Gadol, and spices and oil for the Incense and the Anointing oil.

Rashi quotes R' Natan who explain why the leaders of the tribes took the initiative on the occasion of the dedication of the Mishkan. He says that they learned their lesson from this original collection of materials. The leaders decided to wait until the people finished giving, and then they would give what was missing. It turned out that there was almost nothing left to give because the people had given so generously.

Daily Aliya for Vayakhel, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In this week's Parsha, Vayakhel, Moshe gathers the Jews and relays to them all the details regarding the construction of the Tabernacle and its vessels. The actual construction is also described. This Parsha repeats many of the details described in the portion of Terumah, wherein G‑d instructed Moshe how the Tabernacle and its vessels were to be constructed.

Aliya Summary: On the day after Moshe descended from Mount Sinai with the Second Tablets, after successfully securing atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf, he gathered all the Jewish people. The primary purpose of this assembly was to inform the Jews of G‑d's desire for a Sanctuary to be constructed. He began, however, with a brief reminder regarding the observance of the Shabbat. This was followed by a description of the materials needed to construct the Tabernacle, and a list of the vessels, Tabernacle parts, and priestly garments which were to be produced.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe descends Mount Sinai with the second tablets, and unbeknown to him beams of light were projecting off his face. Aaron and the people are originally afraid of him. Moshe teaches the people the Torah he studied on the mountain. Moshe wears a veil on his face from that time on, but removes it when speaking to G‑d and when repeating G‑d's words to the people.

Curious that Moshe's face glowed, but not his hands, or other skin exposed to G-d's presence.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d seals a covenant with Moshe, assuring him again that His presence will only dwell with the Jews. G‑d informs the Jewish people that He will drive the Canaanites from before them. He instructs them to destroy all vestiges of idolatry from the land, and to refrain from making any covenants with its current inhabitants. The Jews are then commanded not to make molten gods, to observe the three festivals, not to eat chametz on Passover, to sanctify male firstborn humans and cattle, and not to cook meat together with milk.

The Midrash says that when G-d dictated to Moshe the laws of meat-in-milk, Moshe asked G-d's permission to write meat and milk (rather than the potentially misleading and confusing goat in the milk of its mother). It seems that Moshe anticipated the questions and comments that people would have, and the wrong ideas that would spring from the wording of this mitzva. Is it forbidden only to cook but permitted to eat? Only the animal's own mother's milk or any meat with milk? Just meat from a young animal, or a mature one too? G-d's answer in the Midrash comes from the passuk that follows: And G-d said to Moshe: you write these things, for it is on the basis of these things that I make my covenant with you with Israel. Some see G-d's response as teaching Moshe about the significance of the Written Word and the Oral Law. The Written Word is incomplete without the Oral Tradition handed down from generation to generation, and G-d meant it to be that way. He does not want the Torah to be correctly understood by those who have and value only the written word.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d tells Moshe to carve new tablets upon which G‑d will engrave the Ten Commandments. Moshe takes the new tablets up to Mt. Sinai, where G‑d reveals His glory to Moshe while proclaiming His Thirteen Attributes of Mercy.

One can say that not only did G-d forgive the People for the Golden Calf, but He also gave them (us) the method of approaching Him in prayer. Not only are we to recite these 13 Attributes, but we must emulate as many of them as possible. "Just as He is merciful, so too must we be merciful..." In this way we will KNOW His Attributes, live by them, and not just mechanically recite them.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: G‑d's agrees to Moshe's request that His presence only dwell amongst the Jews. Moshe requests to be shown G‑d's glory. G‑d agrees, but informs Moshe that he will only be shown G‑d's "back," not G‑d's "face."

This limitation can be extended to include our daily exposure to G-d. If we were to see blatant miracles daily (such as the splitting of the sea or the giving of the Torah), it would be impossible for us to sin. So G-d shows us smaller miracles that we can label as nature, natural, or coincidence. If only we realized how many miracles happen daily for our benefit, we'd be a lot less prone to doing the wrong thing.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Moshe asks G‑d to reconsider the matter of the angel leading them. G‑d reconsiders, and agrees to lead them Himself again. Moshe then requests that G‑d's presence never manifest itself on any other nation other than the Jews.

It's fascinating that while the Jews were creating and serving the Golden Calf, Moshe was asking for a more intimate understanding of G-d. One would think that would be the worst time to ask for more, but Moshe saw it as an opportunity to seek a better understand, arguing that if we knew/understood G-d better, we would be less likely to stray, an argument still true today.

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: After G‑d revealed Himself to the entire nation at Mount Sinai and told them the Ten Commandments, Moshe ascended the mountain where he remained for forty days. There he was to study the Torah and receive the Tablets. The Jews miscalculate when Moshe is supposed to return, and when he doesn't appear on the day when they anticipate him, they grow impatient and demand of Aaron to make for them a new god. Aaron cooperates, all along intending to postpone and buy time until Moshe's return, but despite his efforts, a Golden Calf emerges from the flames. The festivities and sacrifices start early next morning. Moshe pleads with an incensed G‑d to forgive the Jews' sin. G‑d acquiesces and relents from His plan to annihilate the Jews. Moshe comes down with the Tablets, sees the idolatrous revelry, and breaks the Tablets. Moshe enlists the Tribe of Levi to punish the primary offenders. Three thousand idol worshippers are executed on that day. Moshe ascends Mount Sinai again, in an attempt to gain complete atonement for the sin. G‑d tells Moshe to lead the Jews towards the Promised Land, but insists that He won't be leading them personally; instead an angel will be dispatched to lead them. Seeing G‑d's displeasure with the Jews, Moshe takes his own tent and pitches it outside the Israelite encampment. This tent becomes the center of study and spirituality until the Tabernacle is inaugurated.

When Moshe sees the Calf, the Tablets either slip from his hands and break or he intentionally smashes them (opinions differ - interesting connotations to either opinion). He seizes the Calf, destroys it, spreads its ashes over the water, and prepares a potion for the people to drink (also interesting connotation that requires analysis).

Daily Aliya for Ki Tisa, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: The Parsha discusses the census of the Israelites, the washbasin of the Tabernacle, the anointing oils for the priests and kings, the incense offering, and the Sabbath. The Torah then relates the story of the Golden Calf, G‑d's anger at the Jewish nation, Moshe successfully arguing for Divine forgiveness for the sin, the subsequent breaking of the tablets, and the giving of the second tablets.

Aliya Summary: G‑d commands Moshe to take a census of the Jewish adult male population by collecting an atonement offering of half a silver shekel from each individual. The collected silver was melted down, and was made into sockets for the beams of the Tabernacle. G‑d instructs Moshe to make a copper washstand for the Tabernacle. The priests would use this laver to wash their hands and feet before their service. G‑d tells Moshe the recipe for making holy "anointing oil." This oil, which was prepared with various aromatic herbs and fine spices, was used to anoint and sanctify the Tabernacle, its vessels, and Aaron and his sons. The remainder of the oil was put aside, and was used to anoint kings and high priests of future generations. G‑d also gives Moshe the formula for the incense which was offered twice-daily in the Tabernacle. The duplication of the anointing oil or incense for personal use is prohibited. G‑d imbues Bezalel with wisdom, and appoints him to be the chief craftsman of the Tabernacle and its contents. G‑d appoints Oholiab as his assistant. This lengthy Aliya concludes with G‑d telling the Jewish people to observe the Shabbat, the eternal sign between Him and the Children of Israel.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Shvii (7th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Incense Altar is to be constructed of acacia wood, 1 amah wide by 1 amah long, by 2 amot tall. It is to be plated with gold and adorned by a decorative border of gold. Two gold rings were attached to opposite edges for the carrying poles, themselves made of wood covered with gold. This Altar was placed in front of the Parochet and was used primarily for the daily offering of incense (and for part of the Yom Kippur Avoda), in the morning when the Menora was tended. Incense was offered towards evening too. No other use of the Golden Altar was permitted.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Shishi (6th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: Daily procedures on the Altar are to include the sacrificing of two lambs as Burnt-Offerings, one in the morning and the second one in the late afternoon. These daily sacrifices are accompanied by flour and oil "mincha" and wine for libation.

In response to our consecration of the Kohanim, G-d Himself will sanctify the Mishkan, the Altar, and the Kohanim. "And I will dwell among the People of Israel and be their G-d" (29:45). Rabbi Yaakov Auerbach z"l points out that the numerical equivalent of that whole passuk is 2449, the year from Creation in which the Mishkan was first dedicated. That hints to the fact that the whole purpose of creation was to get to this stage where we can incorporate G-d into our midst/lives.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: The Torah continues describing the procedure for the offering, and the consumption of the inaugural sacrifices. G‑d commands Moshe to repeat this inaugural service for a seven day period, after which the consecration will be complete. Also included in this section is a description of how future High Priests are to be inducted.

The Parsha (and this particular Aliya) goes through so many rules about who can enjoy which sacrifice, and where they can eat their portion. If a sacrifice has been brought to G-d, it would seem that who eats the leftovers would be an insignificant afterthought. Unless, that is, you step back at the bigger picture: A sacrifice is brought either because someone transgressed a commandment, or as appreciation for something having happened to them. Either way, the point of the sacrifice is to strengthen the bond between the person and G-d. The sacrifice isn't for G-d's benefit, but for ours. Therefore, what happens to every step in its offering is important to US. Te sacrifice represents our willingness to give of our possessions, and through that giving others close to G-d benefit from your actions. The Kohen benefits from your leftovers, you benefit from expressing your bond with G-d, and G-d benefits by having better Jews.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Revii (4th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya prescribes the procedure for consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. Aaron and his sons were brought to the door of the sanctuary, they immersed in a mikvah (ritual pool), and were dressed in the priestly garments. Moshe then offered various inaugural sacrifices on their behalf.

The very first offering in the Mikdash was symbolic of the Golden Calf and came as an atonement for that sin. It's interesting to note that while the Golden Calf experience was hurtful towards G-d, it is something not shied away from, but rather confronted. As psychologists would attest, talking about hurtful events help you get over it, and more importantly, forgive those that caused it.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Shlishi (3rd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: This Aliya describes the last two of the garments which were exclusive to the High Priest: the me'il and the tzitz. The me'il was a blue robe which was adorned with golden bells and cloth "pomegranates." Thetzitz was a golden band worn on the forehead, which was engraved with the words "Holy to G‑d." The Torah then describes the four garments worn by both the High Priest and the regular priests: tunics, turbans, sashes and pants.

The Avneit was 32 Amot long, approx. 16m of belt. It took a long time to put on and it produced a large bulge that the Kohen always felt when he put his arms at his sides. Similarly, the Kohen's turban was wound from 16 Amot of linen strip and probably "sat heavy" on the kohen's head. Sources say that a kohen saw his turban whenever he raised his eyes. Similarly, the Kutonet was almost floor length and long sleeved, so the kohen always noticed his garments during Avoda. This "guaranteed" that the kohen would have proper concentration during his sacred service.

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Sheni (2nd Aliya)

Aliya Summary: We now read about the High Priest's Choshen Mishpat ("Breastplate of Judgment"). It contained four rows of precious stones, each row containing three stones. Artisans engraved the names of the Twelve Tribes of Israel upon these twelve stones. This cloth breastplate contained a fold wherein the Urim v'Tumim, a parchment on which was written G‑d's Name, was inserted. The Choshen Misphat was then secured by straps which connected it to the ephod.

Interesting thought from OU's Torah Tidbits: Wool is the chief fiber from the animal kingdom. Flax is (or at least was) the chief fiber from the plant kingdom. Garments are the chief use of fibers. If so, we can say that one of the manifestations of human dominance over nature is our ability to take fibers from both plants and animals, process them and use them for our own benefit, comfort, and adornment. Taking the most prestigious of each kingdom, and weaving them together, and wearing garments made from the combination of wool and linen is one of the ultimate signs of our top position on the nature pyramid. While this is prohibited to be worn for our own benefit (Shatnez), it's required to be worn for G-d's benefit (Kohen Gadol's clothes).

Daily Aliya for Tetzaveh, Rishon (1st Aliya)

General Overview: In last week's Parsha, Teruma, we read the details of the construction of the Tabernacle, the sanctuary in the desert. This week's Parsha, Tetzaveh, we learn about the special garments worn by the priests and high priest when serving in the Tabernacle. Following that, we read G‑d's instructions to Moshe regarding the seven-day inauguration for the Tabernacle. The Parsha concludes with a description of one of the vessels of the Tabernacle--the Incense Altar.

Aliya Summary: G‑d commands the Jews to use the purest of olive oils for the daily kindling of the Menorah. Moshe is instructed to consecrate Aaron and his sons by dressing them in special priestly garments. The Torah describes the making of the High Priest's ephod -- a reversed apron which covered the back -- and its precious-stone-studded shoulder straps.