Jewish Pro-Life Foundation Newsletter 23 February 2019 - 18 Adar 1 5779
Vayakhel: Exodus 35:1-38:20 Pro-Life Commentary
Our newsletter this week gets sent out a day late; however, it focuses on the Torah portion that we read yesterday, Vayakhel: Exodus 35:1-38:20. The commentary is below.
This week's Torah portion, Vayakhel: Exodus 35:1-38:20, opens with Moses assembling the entire population of Israelites to teach them the proper attitude towards work. Jews work for G-d for six days; we rest to honor G-d on the seventh. The guidelines prepare the Jews for the building of the Tabernacle, which proceeds according to detailed instructions which Moses relates to the craftsmen. Moses asks everyone to donate special materials to meet the design requirements as commanded by HaShem, providing ample supplies of precious metals, special wood, gemstones, decorative cloth, animal skins, various oils, and more.
The people brought these beautiful items out of Egypt, allowing all levels of society to participate equally in the building effort. Each man and woman donates a highly valued item, indicating a sincere and enthusiastic investment in the spiritual future of the community. Moses welcomes all but one of the donations as useful and appropriate for the righteous effort. He considers the gifts of polished copper mirrors offered by the women as disgraceful because women use them to make themselves sexually attractive to their husbands.
Our sages relate that G-d tells Moses that the mirrors are the most important articles donated to the building of His dwelling place among the Jews. Pharaoh tried to reduce Jewish procreation by enslaving Jewish men to exhausting hard labor. The mirrors represent the women's commitment to produce children by arousing their husbands under these harsh conditions. Indeed, the Jewish birthrate increased during the enslavement, preparing the Jewish nation for the mass exodus out of Egypt. Moses uses the copper mirrors to fashion the basin where the priests will wash before performing their holy duties.
This compelling story underscores the foundational principle in Judaism of the importance of bearing children. Working for G-d to produce a sacred dwelling place on Earth includes producing offspring that will honorably continue our Covenant with Him. Our hearts fill with praise and gladness as we remind Jews everywhere of this blessing so cherished by our Creator.
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May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and good life upon us and upon all Israel. Amen.
Cecily
"We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented." Eli Wiesel
Gevalt! She IS alive before She's born!
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