[youtube url=”https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=J_Iv7Bud-fo&feature=youtu.be”]<\/p>\n
Parashat Terumah opens with the free will contribution the people were to bring for the construction of the Tabernacle.\u00a0 The descriptions of the construction of the sacred things come from the gifts brought by the people.\u00a0 We are also told, the Lord had a specific design for the Tabernacle, which is related to the manner in which the people approach the Lord both physically and spiritually.\u00a0 We are told the tabernacle is to be wrapped in a wall made of curtains hooked together (similar to clothing), and the Ark of the Covenant is to be made of wood but yet covered in gold.\u00a0 The less precious (wood) was clothed in what is more precious (gold).\u00a0 These descriptions are analogous to sanctification, the process of making holy for the purpose of God.\u00a0 This may be paralleled to what the Lord is doing in our lives which is described at the beginning of the Torah, we are told, Bereshit \/ Genesis 1:26 Then God said, \u2018Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.\u2019 1:27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. (NASB)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 These Scriptures draw out this concept of the preciousness of mankind, as the Lord\u2019s having made man after His image.\u00a0 Due to the nature of man having been made after God\u2019s image, Paul wrote, in 2 Corinthians 3:15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; 3:16 but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (NASB)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 Paul wrote that those who turn to the Lord are in the process of being transformed into His image, as it says \u201cfrom glory to glory\u201d based upon the giving of God\u2019s Spirit which is rooted in our freedom from sin.\u00a0 We are told in his letter to the Ephesians, 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (NASB)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 These things draw us back to the Torah portion, Parashat Terumah and the descriptions of the construction of the Tabernacle.\u00a0 The Tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, the altar, the fire pans, all of these things were carefully crafted for the work of the Lord.\u00a0 Based upon the Scriptures, we know the cloths we wear are analogous to the righteous works of God.\u00a0 The Scriptures portray the proper clothing as being used for specific situations, as we see in the priestly garments.\u00a0 As a result of these things, proper attire is also repeatedly portrayed in the Scripture as a parallel to the righteousness of God\u2019s people.\u00a0 Consider, When a generation of people move towards immorality they always become lax about covering themselves. (i.e. The debased condition of the Roman Empire is a well known example.)\u00a0 Such people eventually rebel against all restrictions, or moral law, and move toward wanton fleshly pleasures and activities.\u00a0 It is in this sense that one becomes addicted to the tickling of the ears to hearing a theology that is enabling the pleasures of the body.\u00a0 Such a person becomes enamored with their loose life style and will attack anyone or anything that gets between them and their fun.\u00a0\u00a0 It is within this context that Christians are necessarily obligated to obey God\u2019s Law as it is portrayed in the Scripture.\u00a0 Unfortunately, too many professing Christians do not know what the Scripture teaches and do not really care.\u00a0 The theologies of today provide the benefits of blessing and entrance into heaven, while at the same time enabling the believer in not having to comply with God\u2019s law.\u00a0 Based upon the Torah\u2019s descriptions on the construction of the Tabernacle, clothing is used to distinguish those of high office or those who have other special positions within the service of God.\u00a0 One\u2019s clothing was meant to set them apart and reduces confusion on behalf of the Priesthood.\u00a0 The scriptures this week provide us with insight into the construction of the Tabernacle, and likewise, these Scriptures also give insight into who we are in the Messiah.<\/p>\n In this week\u2019s Torah portion, we are looking at Shemot \/ Exodus 25:1-15<\/span><\/em>.<\/p>\n Shemot \/ Exodus 25:1-15<\/span><\/em><\/strong> \u05d0\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05b0\u05d3\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b5\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05dc\u05bc\u05b5\u05d0\u05de\u05b9\u05e8: \u05d1\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d3\u05bc\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b5\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05b0\u05b9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05dc \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b4\u05e7\u05b0\u05d7\u05d5\u05bc-\u05dc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b0\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05de\u05b8\u05d4 \u05de\u05b5\u05d0\u05b5\u05ea \u05db\u05bc\u05b8\u05dc-\u05d0\u05b4\u05d9\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b4\u05d3\u05bc\u05b0\u05d1\u05b6\u05e0\u05bc\u05d5\u05bc \u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05e7\u05b0\u05d7\u05d5\u05bc \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05ea\u05bc\u05b0\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05de\u05b8\u05ea\u05b4\u05d9: \u05d2\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d6\u05b9\u05d0\u05ea \u05d4\u05b7\u05ea\u05bc\u05b0\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05de\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05e7\u05b0\u05d7\u05d5\u05bc \u05de\u05b5\u05d0\u05b4\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05dd \u05d6\u05b8\u05d4\u05b8\u05d1 \u05d5\u05b8\u05db\u05b6\u05e1\u05b6\u05e3 \u05d5\u05bc\u05e0\u05b0\u05d7\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05ea: \u05d3\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05bc\u05ea\u05b0\u05db\u05b5\u05dc\u05b6\u05ea \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d2\u05bc\u05b8\u05de\u05b8\u05df \u05d5\u05b0\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05ea \u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b5\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e2\u05b4\u05d6\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd: \u05d4\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05e8\u05b9\u05ea \u05d0\u05b5\u05d9\u05dc\u05b4\u05dd \u05de\u05b0\u05d0\u05b8\u05d3\u05bc\u05b8\u05de\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05e8\u05b9\u05ea \u05ea\u05bc\u05b0\u05d7\u05b8\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d5\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05e6\u05b5\u05d9 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d8\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd: \u05d5\u00a0\u00a0 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05de\u05b6\u05df \u05dc\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b8\u05d0\u05b9\u05e8 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e9\u05b8\u05b9\u05de\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05de\u05b6\u05df \u05d4\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05d7\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b4\u05e7\u05b0\u05d8\u05b9\u05e8\u05b6\u05ea \u05d4\u05b7\u05e1\u05bc\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd: \u05d6\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d0\u05b7\u05d1\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9-\u05e9\u05c1\u05b9\u05d4\u05b7\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05d1\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05dc\u05bc\u05bb\u05d0\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b8\u05d0\u05b5\u05e4\u05b9\u05d3 \u05d5\u05b0\u05dc\u05b7\u05d7\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05df: \u05d7\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05b9\u05d5\u05bc \u05dc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05e7\u05b0\u05d3\u05bc\u05b8\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05db\u05b7\u05e0\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9\u05db\u05b8\u05dd: \u05d8\u00a0\u00a0 \u05db\u05bc\u05b0\u05db\u05b9\u05dc \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9 \u05de\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9\u05ea\u05b0\u05da\u05b8 \u05d0\u05b5\u05ea \u05ea\u05bc\u05b7\u05d1\u05b0\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea \u05d4\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05db\u05bc\u05b8\u05df \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b5\u05ea \u05ea\u05bc\u05b7\u05d1\u05b0\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea \u05db\u05bc\u05b8\u05dc-\u05db\u05bc\u05b5\u05dc\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d5\u05b0\u05db\u05b5\u05df \u05ea\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05b9\u05d5\u05bc:\u00a0\u00a0 \u05e1\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d9\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05b9\u05d5\u05bc \u05d0\u05b2\u05e8\u05d5\u05b9\u05df \u05e2\u05b2\u05e6\u05b5\u05d9 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d8\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d0\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b8\u05ea\u05b7\u05d9\u05b4\u05dd \u05d5\u05b8\u05d7\u05b5\u05e6\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d0\u05b8\u05e8\u05b0\u05db\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b8\u05d7\u05b5\u05e6\u05b4\u05d9 \u05e8\u05b8\u05d7\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05de\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b8\u05d7\u05b5\u05e6\u05b4\u05d9 \u05e7\u05b9\u05de\u05b8\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9: \u05d9\u05d0\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e6\u05b4\u05e4\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea\u05b8 \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d6\u05b8\u05d4\u05b8\u05d1 \u05d8\u05b8\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05e8 \u05de\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d9\u05b4\u05ea \u05d5\u05bc\u05de\u05b4\u05d7\u05d5\u05bc\u05e5 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b0\u05e6\u05b7\u05e4\u05bc\u05b6\u05e0\u05bc\u05d5\u05bc \u05d5\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05b4\u05b9\u05d9\u05ea\u05b8 \u05e2\u05b8\u05dc\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d6\u05b5\u05e8 \u05d6\u05b8\u05d4\u05b8\u05d1 \u05e1\u05b8\u05d1\u05b4\u05d9\u05d1: \u05d9\u05d1\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d9\u05b8\u05e6\u05b7\u05e7\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8 \u05dc\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d0\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2 \u05d8\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05ea \u05d6\u05b8\u05d4\u05b8\u05d1 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e0\u05b8\u05ea\u05b7\u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc \u05d0\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2 \u05e4\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b9\u05ea\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d5\u05bc\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d8\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05e2\u05b9\u05ea \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc-\u05e6\u05b7\u05dc\u05b0\u05e2\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b6\u05d7\u05b8\u05ea \u05d5\u05bc\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d8\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05e2\u05b9\u05ea \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc-\u05e6\u05b7\u05dc\u05b0\u05e2\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d4\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b5\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea: \u05d9\u05d2\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05b4\u05b9\u05d9\u05ea\u05b8 \u05d1\u05b7\u05d3\u05bc\u05b5\u05d9 \u05e2\u05b2\u05e6\u05b5\u05d9 \u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d8\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05e6\u05b4\u05e4\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea\u05b8 \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05b8\u05dd \u05d6\u05b8\u05d4\u05b8\u05d1: \u05d9\u05d3\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b5\u05d1\u05b5\u05d0\u05ea\u05b8 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d8\u05bc\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05e2\u05b9\u05ea \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc \u05e6\u05b7\u05dc\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05ea \u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b8\u05e8\u05b9\u05df \u05dc\u05b8\u05e9\u05b5\u05b9\u05d0\u05ea \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b8\u05e8\u05b9\u05df \u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4\u05b6\u05dd: \u05d8\u05d5\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05d8\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e2\u05b9\u05ea \u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b8\u05e8\u05b9\u05df \u05d9\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05d5\u05bc \u05d4\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d3\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05dc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d9\u05b8\u05e1\u05bb\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc \u05de\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05b6\u05e0\u05bc\u05d5\u05bc:<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In the opening verses to this week\u2019s Torah portion, the Lord asks that a sanctuary be created for this purpose: \u05d7\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05b9\u05d5\u05bc \u05dc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05de\u05b4\u05e7\u05b0\u05d3\u05bc\u05b8\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05db\u05b7\u05e0\u05b0\u05ea\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9\u05db\u05b8\u05dd: 25:8 \u2018Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. (NASB)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 It is interesting to note, the Lord God created the whole world in six days, but he used forty days to instruct Moshe about the tabernacle.\u00a0 Little over one chapter was needed to describe the construction of the world, but six chapters were used for the construction of the tabernacle.\u00a0 What might be said about the significance of this observation?\u00a0 If the Lord God of Israel dwells in the midst of His people, just as the Scriptures teach, then the way we conduct ourselves as His children is vitally important.\u00a0 If God is holy, then we must also be holy (1 Peter 1:16<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 This provides us with a very strong reason for obeying the commands of God.\u00a0 We must seek to practice righteousness and holiness if the Lord God is dwelling in our midst.\u00a0 Furthermore, if the Lord God is in our midst and manifests Himself in and through us, then the way that we conduct our lives is again, vitally important as our lives are a representation of the God of Israel and His ways to all the world.\u00a0 It is for this reason Paul wrote, \u201cI am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; but in case I am delayed, I write so that you may know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth\u201d<\/span><\/em> (1 Timothy 3:14-15<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 In the first epistle to Timothy, Paul writes about purity of conduct in the ekklesia (1 Timothy 1<\/span><\/em>), of public ministry (1 Timothy 2<\/span><\/em>), about leaders (1 Timothy 3<\/span><\/em>), about false and true holiness (1 Timothy 4<\/span><\/em>), about our responsibilities to the poor and widows (1 Timothy 5<\/span><\/em>), and about the pursuit of prosperity under the guise of seeking greater piety (1 Timothy 6<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 Note the significance of how we conduct ourselves and how vitally important this point is for us as the Lord God of Israel indwells our hearts and is walking in our midst today!\u00a0 This week\u2019s Torah portion calls us to be very careful in the way that we keep our hearts as a sanctuary for His glory, so that His glory might be manifest to others.<\/p>\n Rashi states the following concerning the pattern of the dwelling place of God (the Tabernacle).<\/p>\n Rashi on Shemot \/ Exodus 25:9 Part 1<\/span><\/em><\/strong> The concept here is the Lord instructed Moshe on the exact nature of His Tabernacle, the pattern must be followed to the level of detail the Lord had shown Moshe.\u00a0 This is important because it speaks of God\u2019s dwelling in the midst of His people and the manner in which the people are to conduct themselves because we are His people.\u00a0 The pattern for the construction of the Tabernacle was very important because it represented the exact manner in which man was to approach the Lord God in heaven.\u00a0 Why do you think it is today the pattern for the way the Lord wants us to live our lives is not emphasized and followed to the level of detail as described in the Scriptures?<\/p>\n Part 2<\/span><\/em><\/strong> Note how Rashi describes the future generations and the vessels in the context of the Temple in Jerusalem which is called the \u201cHouse of Eternity.\u201d\u00a0 This describes the everlasting nature of God\u2019s ways, and the manner in which we are to approach Him.\u00a0 Rashi says these Scriptures apply to both the\u00a0 Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) and the Temple in Jerusalem.\u00a0 Rashi speaks of the significance of the Lord telling Moshe to construct the Tabernacle in the pattern that He had shown him.\u00a0 Similarly, we should be taking a close inspection of our own lives to see if we are living in the pattern that He has laid out in Scripture.<\/p>\n The commentary Kedushat Levi on Shemot \/ Exodus Terumah 4<\/span><\/em> takes more of a spiritual application of these Scriptures as they are applied to our lives today.<\/p>\n Kedushat Levi on Shemot \/ Exodus Terumah 4<\/span><\/em><\/strong> When you consider our explanation above (at the end of \u200e\u200eMishpatim) that the words: \u200e\u05d5\u05db\u05df \u05ea\u05e2\u05e9\u05d5 \u05d5\u05de\u05e8\u05d0\u05d4 \u05db\u05d1\u05d5\u05d3 \u05d4\u2019\u200f\u200e, refer to \u200ehow a person can be certain that his manner of serving the Lord \u200epleases his Creator, then the words: \u200e\u05d5\u05db\u05df \u05ea\u05e2\u05e9\u05d5\u200e, do not refer to the \u200emeasurements of the Tabernacle or the Temple at all. There was \u200eno need for the Torah to repeat its instructions on these points as \u200eall the details had already been spelled out. Moses had received \u200evisual instructions from G\u2019d, instructions that could hardly be \u200e\u200e\u201cconfirmed\u201d by a human Court which had not been \u201cshown\u201d the \u200edimensions G\u2019d had shown to Moses. The entire Tabernacle must \u200ebe viewed as the tangible symbol of holy thoughts expressed by \u200ethe righteous when they worship the Creator, which, as we \u200eexplained, need a \u200e\u05db\u05dc\u05d9\u200e, visible, tangible instrument, in the form of a \u200ecommandment to be performed by the worshiper, in order to \u200egive concrete expression to the \u200e\u05e0\u05d3\u05d1\u05ea \u05dc\u05d1\u05d5\u200e, the generosity of the \u200eheart, of which Exodus 25:2 speaks. The completed Tabernacle is \u200ethe expression of the collective service of the Jewish people, or \u200ethe \u200e\u05dc\u05d1\u05d5\u05e9\u200e, the \u201cgarment\u201d behind which the holy nature of the \u200ecollective soul of Jewish people resides.\u200e<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The Talmud in Sanhedrin 89 already explains that no \u200etwo prophets convey the same message from G\u2019d to the people \u200eusing the same wording. There is an element of individuality \u200ewhich permits each prophet to \u201cdress up\u201d the message in a style \u200ethat he considers appropriate to his listeners. He also receives the \u200evision from G\u2019d in a manner that allows for his individuality, one \u200ethat G\u2019d is thoroughly familiar with, of course. It follows that \u200eMoses and his generation received G\u2019d\u2019s instructions concerning \u200ethe Tabernacle in a manner that was appropriate for them, \u200ewhereas Solomon and his generation received the instructions in \u200ea manner appropriate for the level of their respective generation. \u200eThe tangible expression of the difference between the spiritual \u200elevel of these two generations, one a people wandering in the \u200edesert, the other a people that had lived in a sovereign Jewish \u200ehomeland for over 400 years already was reflected in the size and \u200eappurtenances of their respective \u201cTemples.\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n When \u200e\u200eRashi explained the word \u200e\u05dc\u05d3\u05d5\u05e8\u05d5\u05ea\u200e, to describe the meaning of \u200e\u05d5\u05db\u05df \u05ea\u05e2\u05e9\u05d5\u200e, he meant that the same yardsticks that applied in the \u200edesert when the Tabernacle was being built were also to be \u200eapplied in future generations when a Temple will again be built. \u200eThe tangible version of the people\u2019s service of G\u2019d is to conform \u200eto the manner in which the subject would be communicated to \u200ethe prophet or High Court that is the highest spiritual authority \u200eof the people at the time.<\/span><\/em> Kedushat Levi speaks of the pattern that Moshe was shown, the pattern of the Tabernacle, where the various rabbinic commentaries point out that there is a variation in the Tanach on the size of the altar in relation to Moshe\u2019s Tabernacle and Solomon\u2019s Temple.\u00a0 The key to understanding these Scriptures is on whether the manner in which one serves the Lord pleases the Creator God.\u00a0 The dimensions that Moshe had established based on what the Lord had shown him, no man would\u00a0 be able to verify.\u00a0 The idea is that \u201cThe entire Tabernacle must \u200ebe viewed as the tangible symbol of holy thoughts expressed by \u200ethe righteous when they worship the Creator, which, as we \u200eexplained, need a \u200e\u05db\u05dc\u05d9\u200e, visible, tangible instrument, in the form of a \u200ecommandment to be performed by the worshiper, in order to \u200egive concrete expression to the \u200e\u05e0\u05d3\u05d1\u05ea \u05dc\u05d1\u05d5\u200e, the generosity of the \u200eheart, of which Exodus 25:2 speaks.\u201d<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 The Tabernacle is the expression of the service of God\u2019s people and the commandment of God is for the purpose of showing the generosity of the heart.\u00a0 Rashi explained:<\/p>\n the word \u200e\u05dc\u05d3\u05d5\u05e8\u05d5\u05ea\u200e, to describe the meaning of \u200e\u05d5\u05db\u05df \u05ea\u05e2\u05e9\u05d5\u200e, he meant that the same yardsticks that applied in the \u200edesert when the Tabernacle was being built were also to be \u200eapplied in future generations when a Temple will again be built. \u200eThe tangible version of the people\u2019s service of G\u2019d is to conform \u200eto the manner in which the subject would be communicated to \u200ethe prophet or High Court that is the highest spiritual authority \u200eof the people at the time.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n This speaks of the Lord having a specific design for the Tabernacle, which is related to the manner in which the people approach the Lord both physically and spiritually.\u00a0 This directs us to understand the purpose of the commandments as being the way the Lord God wants us to live our lives.<\/p>\n This manner in which the Lord wants us to live may be illustrated according to Tehillim \/ Psalms 112:5-6<\/span><\/em> which states, \u05d3\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d6\u05b8\u05e8\u05b7\u05d7 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d7\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05da\u05b0 \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9\u05e8 \u05dc\u05b7\u05d9\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05e8\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05d7\u05b7\u05e0\u05bc\u05d5\u05bc\u05df \u05d5\u05b0\u05e8\u05b7\u05d7\u05d5\u05bc\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05e6\u05b7\u05d3\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05e7:\u00a0 \u05d4\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d8\u05d5\u05b9\u05d1 \u05d0\u05b4\u05d9\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d7\u05d5\u05b9\u05e0\u05b5\u05df \u05d5\u05bc\u05de\u05b7\u05dc\u05b0\u05d5\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d9\u05b0\u05db\u05b7\u05dc\u05b0\u05db\u05bc\u05b5\u05dc \u05d3\u05bc\u05b0\u05d1\u05b8\u05e8\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05e4\u05bc\u05b8\u05d8:\u00a0 112:5 It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; He will maintain his cause in judgment. 112:6 For he will never be shaken; The righteous will be remembered forever. (NASB)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 This describes the one who does charity (Tzedakah) which is derived from the Hebrew text meaning righteousness, fairness or justice.\u00a0 Tzedakah is often translated as charity in Judaism and is a mainstay of Jewish life.\u00a0 The sages teach that the world was built upon kindness.\u00a0 However, tzedakah goes one step beyond.\u00a0 Literally translated as \u201cjustice\u201d or \u201crighteousness,\u201d<\/span><\/em> tzedakah tells us that sharing what we have with others isn\u2019t just something special, it is the honest and just thing to do.\u00a0 In addition, Tzedakah is not limited to gifts of money but may also be performed by the sharing of our time with others, showing love in the same way the Lord has shown us love.\u00a0 Charity is a fundamental part of the Torah way of life, this is why the Targum translates 112:2 His children will be mighty in the Torah, he will be blessed in the generation of the upright. (EMC)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 Giving to the poor is an obligation in Judaism, a duty that cannot be forsaken even by those who are themselves in need.\u00a0 If these things are true, why then does Christianity not consider tzedakah obligatory?\u00a0 Some sages have said that tzedakah is the highest of all commandments, equal to all of them combined, and that a person who does not perform tzedakah is equivalent to an idol worshiper.\u00a0 It does not matter whether a limited amount of resources are provided to God\u2019s people or whether wealth has been distributed unevenly in the earth.\u00a0 Some nations (or people) have been given a greater share and some a lesser share.\u00a0 But since all are created equally in the image of God, there is a duty that develops out of the Scripture for God\u2019s people who \u201chave\u201d are to give of their substance to those who do not \u201chave\u201d in order to effect justice.\u00a0 This is the definition of tzedakah.\u00a0 It is a way of looking at the world and understanding the human role in helping others where by doing so one is imitating the qualities of the Lord in heaven. Vayikra \/ Leviticus 6:1-7<\/span><\/em><\/strong> \u05db\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d9\u05b0\u05d3\u05b7\u05d1\u05bc\u05b5\u05e8 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05de\u05b9\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05d4 \u05dc\u05bc\u05b5\u05d0\u05de\u05b9\u05e8: \u05db\u05d0\u00a0\u00a0 \u05e0\u05b6\u05e4\u05b6\u05e9\u05c1 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9 \u05ea\u05b6\u05d7\u05b1\u05d8\u05b8\u05d0 \u05d5\u05bc\u05de\u05b8\u05e2\u05b2\u05dc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05de\u05b7\u05e2\u05b7\u05dc \u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05db\u05b4\u05d7\u05b5\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e4\u05b4\u05e7\u05bc\u05b8\u05d3\u05d5\u05b9\u05df \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9-\u05d1\u05b4\u05ea\u05b0\u05e9\u05b9\u05d5\u05bc\u05de\u05b6\u05ea \u05d9\u05b8\u05d3 \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d1\u05b0\u05d2\u05b8\u05d6\u05b5\u05dc \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9 \u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05c1\u05b7\u05e7 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05e2\u05b2\u05de\u05b4\u05d9\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9: \u05db\u05d1\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9-\u05de\u05b8\u05e6\u05b8\u05d0 \u05d0\u05b2\u05d1\u05b5\u05d3\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05db\u05b4\u05d7\u05b6\u05e9\u05c1 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4\u05bc \u05d5\u05b0\u05e0\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05e2 \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc-\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05e7\u05b6\u05e8 \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc-\u05d0\u05b7\u05d7\u05b7\u05ea \u05de\u05b4\u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05dc \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8-\u05d9\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05b6\u05b9\u05d4 \u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b8\u05d3\u05b8\u05dd \u05dc\u05b7\u05d7\u05b2\u05d8\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d1\u05b8\u05d4\u05b5\u05e0\u05bc\u05b8\u05d4: \u05db\u05d2\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b8\u05d9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05d9\u05b6\u05d7\u05b1\u05d8\u05b8\u05d0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b8\u05e9\u05c1\u05b5\u05dd \u05d5\u05b0\u05d4\u05b5\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05d9\u05d1 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b7\u05d2\u05bc\u05b0\u05d6\u05b5\u05dc\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d2\u05bc\u05b8\u05d6\u05b8\u05dc \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b8\u05e2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e7 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05e2\u05b8\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05e7 \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b7\u05e4\u05bc\u05b4\u05e7\u05bc\u05b8\u05d3\u05d5\u05b9\u05df \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d4\u05b8\u05e4\u05b0\u05e7\u05b7\u05d3 \u05d0\u05b4\u05ea\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d4\u05b8\u05d0\u05b2\u05d1\u05b5\u05d3\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05de\u05b8\u05e6\u05b8\u05d0: [\u05de\u05e4\u05d8\u05d9\u05e8] \u05db\u05d3\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d0\u05d5\u05b9 \u05de\u05b4\u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05dc \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8-\u05d9\u05b4\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b8\u05d1\u05b7\u05e2 \u05e2\u05b8\u05dc\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05dc\u05b7\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b6\u05e7\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05dc\u05bc\u05b7\u05dd \u05d0\u05b9\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e8\u05b9\u05d0\u05e9\u05c1\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d5\u05b7\u05d7\u05b2\u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05c1\u05b4\u05ea\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d9\u05b9\u05e1\u05b5\u05e3 \u05e2\u05b8\u05dc\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05dc\u05b7\u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8 \u05d4\u05d5\u05bc\u05d0 \u05dc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d9\u05b4\u05ea\u05bc\u05b0\u05e0\u05b6\u05e0\u05bc\u05d5\u05bc \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05d9\u05d5\u05b9\u05dd \u05d0\u05b7\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05de\u05b8\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9: \u05db\u05d4\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05ea-\u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05de\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d9\u05b8\u05d1\u05b4\u05d9\u05d0 \u05dc\u05b7\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d0\u05b7\u05d9\u05b4\u05dc \u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05de\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05de\u05b4\u05df-\u05d4\u05b7\u05e6\u05bc\u05b9\u05d0\u05df \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05e2\u05b6\u05e8\u05b0\u05db\u05bc\u05b0\u05da\u05b8 \u05dc\u05b0\u05d0\u05b8\u05e9\u05c1\u05b8\u05dd \u05d0\u05b6\u05dc-\u05d4\u05b7\u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b5\u05df: \u05db\u05d5\u00a0\u00a0 \u05d5\u05b0\u05db\u05b4\u05e4\u05bc\u05b6\u05e8 \u05e2\u05b8\u05dc\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5 \u05d4\u05b7\u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05d4\u05b5\u05df \u05dc\u05b4\u05e4\u05b0\u05e0\u05b5\u05d9 \u05d9\u05b0\u05d4\u05d5\u05b9\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d5\u05b0\u05e0\u05b4\u05e1\u05b0\u05dc\u05b7\u05d7 \u05dc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05e2\u05b7\u05dc-\u05d0\u05b7\u05d7\u05b7\u05ea \u05de\u05b4\u05db\u05bc\u05b9\u05dc \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8-\u05d9\u05b7\u05e2\u05b2\u05e9\u05b6\u05b9\u05d4 \u05dc\u05b0\u05d0\u05b7\u05e9\u05c1\u05b0\u05de\u05b8\u05d4 \u05d1\u05b8\u05d4\u05bc:<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n These Scriptures speak saying that it is possible for a person to sin committing a treachery against God by lying to his fellow man.\u00a0 The conclusion may be that if one deals falsely with his fellow man, then he repudiates the very belief in the existence of God.\u00a0 Early Christians were very concerned with the way in which we relate to one another, as 2 Timothy 2:22-25<\/span><\/em> illustrates, Paul wrote:<\/p>\n Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don\u2019t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord\u2019s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.\u00a0 Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Self-deception and the concept of the ends justifying means kind of attitudes are denounced in Christian teaching (see Galatians 6:7-8, James 1:26, John 1:8<\/span><\/em>), where Yeshua taught that holiness is a way of living itself (Matthew 4:8-10, 16:26<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 Yeshua also taught to focus upon righteousness and the inner kingdom, it is in these things the disciple could find comfort and sustenance from the Lord God of Israel through faith.\u00a0 The Lord God would reward them in the Olam Habah and their needs on earth would be met.\u00a0 Yeshua also taught in Matthew 6:31-34<\/span><\/em> saying:<\/p>\n So do not worry, saying, What shall we eat\u201d or What shall we drink\u201d or What shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n The bedrock of who we are is to have absolute faith in God, from which leads to ethical and righteous actions in our lives.\u00a0 Through faith in the Messiah in the belief that Yeshua died for our sins and thereby provided atonement for us, we are given the mercy and salvation of God in this life and in the next (see Ephesians 1:6-8<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 The Torah context draws in the concept that our deeds will be consistent with our faith.\u00a0\u00a0 Faith in the God of Israel rescues us from worldly temptations, while those who trust in the Lord and His mercy will repent of their transgressions, forgive others, and open their heart to do what the Lord has called us to do on this Earth.\u00a0 The Scriptures teach that those who do so will be saved (see Matthew 13:15, Acts 2:38, 10:42-44, and 13:37-39<\/span><\/em>).<\/p>\n It is within this context that we find Parashat Terumah and the construction of the Tabernacle.\u00a0 It is also within this context that we understand Christians are necessarily obligated to obey God\u2019s Law as it is related to Morality, Ethics, Justice, and Righteousness.\u00a0 Unfortunately, too many professing Christians do not know that the Scripture teach these things.\u00a0 The modern theologies of today keep one in immaturity of faith providing the benefits of blessing and entrance into heaven, without the responsibilities we are called to according to God\u2019s law.\u00a0 Based upon the Torah\u2019s descriptions on the construction of the Tabernacle, we see how the Lord God has a specific (exact) design for our lives. Just as clothing was used to distinguish those of high office or those who have other special positions within the service of God.\u00a0 God\u2019s righteousness (His ways) are meant to set us apart and reduce confusion on behalf of who we are as God\u2019s people in a wicked world.\u00a0 The scriptures this week provide us with insight into the construction of the Tabernacle, and likewise, these Scriptures also give insight into who we are in the Messiah.<\/p>\n
\n 25:1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 25:2 \u2018Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution. 25:3 \u2018This is the contribution which you are to raise from them: gold, silver and bronze, 25:4 blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goat hair, 25:5 rams\u2019 skins dyed red, porpoise skins, acacia wood, 25:6 oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense, 25:7 onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece. 25:8 \u2018Let them construct a sanctuary for Me, that I may dwell among them. 25:9 \u2018According to all that I am going to show you, as the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture, just so you shall construct it. 25:10 \u2018They shall construct an ark of acacia wood two and a half cubits long, and one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. 25:11 \u2018You shall overlay it with pure gold, inside and out you shall overlay it, and you shall make a gold molding around it. 25:12 \u2018You shall cast four gold rings for it and fasten them on its four feet, and two rings shall be on one side of it and two rings on the other side of it. 25:13 \u2018You shall make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 25:14 \u2018You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to carry the ark with them. 25:15 \u2018The poles shall remain in the rings of the ark; they shall not be removed from it. 25:16 \u2018You shall put into the ark the testimony which I shall give you. (NASB)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\n \u05db\u05db\u05dc \u05d0\u05e9\u05e8 \u05d0\u05e0\u05d9 \u05de\u05e8\u05d0\u05d4 \u05d0\u05d5\u05ea\u05da ACCORDING TO ALL THAT I AM SHOWING THEE here, \u05d0\u05ea \u05ea\u05d1\u05e0\u05d9\u05ea \u05d4\u05de\u05e9\u05db\u05df THE PATTERN OF THE DWELLING. \u2014 This verse must be connected with the verse that precedes it, thus: And let them make for Me a sanctuary \u2026 according to all that I am showing thee (the words \u05d5\u05e9\u05db\u05e0\u05ea\u05d9 \u05d1\u05ea\u05d5\u05db\u05dd being a parenthesis).<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n \u05d5\u05db\u05df \u05ea\u05e2\u05e9\u05d5 AND SO SHALL YE MAKE IT also in future generations (cf. Sanhedrin 16b); if one of the vessels is lost, or when you make for Me the vessels for the \u201cHouse of Eternity\u201d (another name for the Temple in Jerusalem), \u2014 as e. g., the tables, candlesticks, lavers and stands which Solomon had made \u2014 you shall make them after the pattern of these (the vessels of the Tabernacle), If, however, the verse were not to be connected with the preceding one but formed a new statement, Scripture ought not to have written: \u05d5\u05db\u05df \u05ea\u05e2\u05e9\u05d5 \u201cand so shall ye make them\u201d but \u05db\u05df \u05ea\u05e2\u05e9\u05d5 \u201cso shall ye make them\u201d and then it would be speaking of the making of the tent of meeting and its vessels and not of the vessels of the Temple, and the translation would be: according to all that I am showing you the pattern of the Tabernacle and the pattern of all its vessels, even so shall you make them.<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n Exodus 25:9\u201cin accordance with all the pattern I show \u200eyou; the pattern of the Tabernacle and the pattern of all its \u200efurnishings so you shall make it.\u201d Rashi (Sanhedrin \u200e\u200e16) comments on this verse that these instructions, i.e. that just \u200eas the building of the Temple was to be approved by Moses who \u200erepresented all the judges of the High Court, the building of \u200efuture Temples would also have to be approved and supervised by \u200ethe judges of the High Court. Tossaphot on that folio already raises questions \u200econcerning this interpretation; they point out that the \u200emeasurements of the altar of the Tabernacle did not correspond \u200eto the measurements of the altar in Solomon\u2019s Temple (Kings I \u200echapters 6-7) Nachmanides also found difficulty with \u200e\u200eRashi\u2019s commentary in Sanhedrin.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n
\n Nachmanides\u2019 critique of \u200e\u200eRashi that the altars in the two Temples were of completely \u200edifferent sizes is completely out of place, as Solomon constructed \u200ethe altar in accordance with specific instructions given to him, \u200eemphasizing further that what was appropriate in the desert was \u200enot appropriate in his time. G\u2019d\u2019s appearing to Solomon when he \u200ehad completed the Temple (Kings I 6:11-12) is proof that \u200ealthough the measurements of that Temple were quite different \u200e\u200e(though proportionate), he had not deviated from the \u200einstructions given by G\u2019d to Moses in our portion. \u200e<\/span><\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nThe psalm brings these things into context saying, \u05d5\u00a0\u00a0 \u05db\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9-\u05dc\u05b0\u05e2\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b8\u05dd \u05dc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d9\u05b4\u05de\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9\u05d8 \u05dc\u05b0\u05d6\u05b5\u05db\u05b6\u05e8 \u05e2\u05d5\u05b9\u05dc\u05b8\u05dd \u05d9\u05b4\u05d4\u05b0\u05d9\u05b6\u05d4 \u05e6\u05b7\u05d3\u05bc\u05b4\u05d9\u05e7: \u05d6\u00a0\u00a0 \u05de\u05b4\u05e9\u05bc\u05c1\u05b0\u05de\u05d5\u05bc\u05e2\u05b8\u05d4 \u05e8\u05b8\u05e2\u05b8\u05d4 \u05dc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d9\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0 \u05e0\u05b8\u05db\u05d5\u05b9\u05df \u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b8\u05d8\u05bb\u05d7\u05b7 \u05d1\u05bc\u05b7\u05d9\u05d4\u05b9\u05d5\u05b8\u05d4: \u05d7\u00a0\u00a0 \u05e1\u05b8\u05de\u05d5\u05bc\u05da\u05b0 \u05dc\u05b4\u05d1\u05bc\u05d5\u05b9 \u05dc\u05b9\u05d0 \u05d9\u05b4\u05d9\u05e8\u05b8\u05d0 \u05e2\u05b7\u05d3 \u05d0\u05b2\u05e9\u05c1\u05b6\u05e8-\u05d9\u05b4\u05e8\u05b0\u05d0\u05b6\u05d4 \u05d1\u05b0\u05e6\u05b8\u05e8\u05b8\u05d9\u05d5: \u05d8\u00a0\u00a0 \u05e4\u05bc\u05b4\u05d6\u05bc\u05b7\u05e8 | \u05e0\u05b8\u05ea\u05b7\u05df \u05dc\u05b8\u05d0\u05b6\u05d1\u05b0\u05d9\u05d5\u05b9\u05e0\u05b4\u05d9\u05dd \u05e6\u05b4\u05d3\u05b0\u05e7\u05b8\u05ea\u05d5\u05b9 \u05e2\u05b9\u05de\u05b6\u05d3\u05b6\u05ea \u05dc\u05b8\u05e2\u05b7\u05d3 \u05e7\u05b7\u05e8\u05b0\u05e0\u05d5\u05b9 \u05ea\u05bc\u05b8\u05e8\u05d5\u05bc\u05dd \u05d1\u05bc\u05b0\u05db\u05b8\u05d1\u05d5\u05b9\u05d3:\u00a0 112:7 He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. 112:8 His heart is upheld, he will not fear, Until he looks with satisfaction on his adversaries. 112:9 He has given freely to the poor, His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted in honor. (NASB)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 The Aramaic Targum states, \u05d6\u00a0 \u05de\u05e9\u05de\u05d5\u05e2\u05ea\u05d0 \u05d1\u05d9\u05e9\u05ea\u05d0 \u05dc\u05d0 \u05d9\u05d3\u05d7\u05dc \u05ea\u05e7\u05d9\u05df \u05dc\u05d9\u05d1\u05d9\u05d4 \u05e8\u05d7\u05d9\u05e5 \u05d1\u05de\u05d9\u05de\u05e8\u05d0 \u05d3\u05d9\u05d4\u05d5\u05d4\u05c3\u00a0 \u05d7\u00a0 \u05e1\u05de\u05d9\u05da \u05dc\u05d9\u05d1\u05d9\u05d4 \u05dc\u05d0 \u05d9\u05d3\u05d7\u05dc \u05e2\u05d3 \u05e2\u05d3 \u05d6\u05de\u05df \u05d3\u05d9\u05d7\u05de\u05d9 \u05e4\u05d5\u05e8\u05e7\u05e0\u05d0 \u05d1\u05e2\u05e7\u05ea\u05d0\u05c3\u00a0 \u05d8\u00a0 \u05d1\u05d3\u05e8 \u05de\u05de\u05d5\u05e0\u05d9\u05d4 \u05d9\u05d4\u05d1 \u05dc\u05d7\u05e9\u05d9\u05db\u05d9 \u05d6\u05db\u05d5\u05ea\u05d9\u05d4 \u05e7\u05d9\u05d9\u05de\u05d0 \u05dc\u05e2\u05dc\u05de\u05d0 \u05ea\u05d5\u05e7\u05e4\u05d9\u05d4 \u05ea\u05e8\u05d5\u05dd \u05d1\u05d0\u05d9\u05e7\u05e8\u05d0\u05c3 112:7 He will not fear news of disaster; his heart is firm, trusting in the word of the Lord. 112:8 His heart is steady, he will not be afraid, until he sees redemption in distress. 112:9 He scattered his wealth, gave it to the needy; his merit endures forever, his might will rise up in glory. (EMC)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 The act of tzedakah is what Yeshua describes in Matthew 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward. (NIV)<\/span><\/em>\u00a0 Yeshua is essentially saying, \u201cWhosoever shall do the smallest service, were it but to give a drink to one of these little ones…\u201d<\/span><\/em> (\u1f15\u03bd\u03b1 \u03c4\u1ff6\u03bd \u03bc\u03b9\u03ba\u03c1\u1ff6\u03bd \u03c4\u03bf\u03cd\u03c4\u03c9\u03bd, Matthew 25:40<\/span><\/em>) indicating that the smallest gift done is big in the eyes of the Lord.\u00a0 Abraham was the first to link individual belief and worship in the one true God to social values and responsibilities.\u00a0 The ethical principles of monotheism recognize that \u201cthere is one Creative Source of creation, but that this very unity conveys a moral imperative concerning ethical treatment and conduct.\u201d\u00a0 This is derived from observing the creation itself (Bereshit \/ Genesis 18:19<\/span><\/em>) in the sense that we are to take care of this world as well as those who live in this world.\u00a0 The study and practice of these ethical principles not only constitute individual worship, but lead to the establishment of just social systems and the promotion of the common good for everyone.\u00a0 This is the purpose for studying the Torah, because contained within the pages of the first five books of the Bible are the moral and ethical principles the Lord wants to teach His people.\u00a0 Many of the biblical virtues (midot) are also commandments (mitzvot), where the practice of the commands causes one to understand what the Lord requires of us and draws us nearer to Him.\u00a0 Of the 613 commands found in the Torah, 248 are positive commandments (things to do), and 365 are negative commandments (things not to do).\u00a0 Many of the commands concern the individual\u2019s relationship with God (Mitzvoth Bayin Adam La\u2019Makom<\/span><\/em>), more than half of the mitzvoth that are applicable today, in the absence of the Temple, govern interpersonal relations (Hilchos Bein Adom Le\u2019Chavero<\/span><\/em>), and relate to a comprehensive range of everyday social interactions.\u00a0 This forms the basic moral guidelines and ethical parameters of how God\u2019s people are commanded to treat others.\u00a0 This is what is taught in the Torah and what the Lord wants to teach His people today!\u00a0 The Hebrew Prophets and Talmudic Rabbis have made clear that while the commandments between individuals and God are extremely important, the Lord commanded that ethical behavior toward one another is of greater importance and concern and this may be why the Apostolic Writings (NT) focus more upon morality, ethics, and our behavior towards one another as opposed to the dietary laws.\u00a0 King Solomon wrote that \u201cTo do righteousness and justice is preferred by God above sacrifice.\u201d<\/span><\/em> (Mishley \/ Proverbs 21:3<\/span><\/em>)\u00a0 Rabbi Akiva famously observed that the greatest principle in Torah is to \u201cLove your neighbor as yourself.\u201d<\/span> (Talmud Yerushalami Nedarim 9:4<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 The famed scholar Hillel added to this by summarizing all of Judaism in the sentence, \u201cWhat is hateful to you, do not do to others,\u201d<\/span><\/em> adding that \u201cthe rest is commentary. Now go and study.\u201d<\/span><\/em> (Talmud Bavli Shabbat 31a<\/span><\/em>)\u00a0 The conclusion is that the Torah is an instruction book on the manner of living an ethical life.\u00a0 Life is thus to be ethically centered and is viewed to be celebrated as a source of Simkhah (joy).\u00a0 It is understood that our deeds, our values, and our responsibilities are reflected in our behavior which is linked to the larger community as well as to the Lord God of Israel.\u00a0 This is why both \u201cFaith\u201d and \u201cWorks\u201d<\/span><\/em> are not distinguished (separated) in Judaism, and why James could say what he did that \u201cfaith without works is dead.\u201d (James 2:14-26)\u00a0 The Scriptures emphasize ethical and moral living which speaks to a strong sense of mutual responsibility (Averut, Kol Yisrael Arevim Shavuot 39a<\/span><\/em>) and community identity (Klal Yisrael Kehillah<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 We are told to not hate fellow man (Vayikra \/ Leviticus 19:17, and love your enemies, Matthew 5:44<\/span><\/em>) and to love one another (Vayikra \/ Leviticus 19:18<\/span><\/em>), including converts (Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 10:19<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 In the Torah, emphasis is given saying \u201cTzedek, tzedek tirdof\u201d<\/span><\/em> (Justice, justice shall you pursue<\/span><\/em>) (Devarim \/ Deuteronomy 16:20<\/span><\/em>).\u00a0 It is because of these things that every act of our lives is in service to the Lord where matters of individual worship are often irrevocably tied to ethics and social justice.\u00a0 Vayikra \/ Leviticus 5:21<\/span><\/em> speaks of the unity of the spiritual practice to ethical and moral living:<\/p>\n
\n 6:1 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 6:2 \u2018When a person sins and acts unfaithfully against the Lord, and deceives his companion in regard to a deposit or a security entrusted to him, or through robbery, or if he has extorted from his companion, 6:3 or has found what was lost and lied about it and sworn falsely, so that he sins in regard to any one of the things a man may do; 6:4 then it shall be, when he sins and becomes guilty, that he shall restore what he took by robbery or what he got by extortion, or the deposit which was entrusted to him or the lost thing which he found, 6:5 or anything about which he swore falsely; he shall make restitution for it in full and add to it one-fifth more. He shall give it to the one to whom it belongs on the day he presents his guilt offering. 6:6 \u2018Then he shall bring to the priest his guilt offering to the Lord, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your valuation, for a guilt offering, 6:7 and the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord, and he will be forgiven for any one of the things which he may have done to incur guilt.\u2019 (NASB)<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n