Greetings Friends and welcome, again, to Torah Thoughts from Adas Israel, the Jewish Congregation of Northern Iowa and based in Mason City. Before we dive into this week's Parsha a reminder that in April we will gather for Erv Shabbat services on the evening of the 7th at 7:00PM. Then on Shabbat (8 April) we will hold a Midrash (study session) starting at 10:00AM. This session will focus on Passover and the many issues that revolve around the holiday. Then, that evening of the 8th we will hold our Community Seder a must attend for friends and family. The cost for visitors (non-members) is $25 for adults, $15 for child under 18 and $10 for kids under 12. To reserve your spot (we have limited seating) please call 515-570-2220 for reservations. Reservations are due by April 5. COVID vaccines are a must. Collections will be at the door. Hope to see you that weekend!
Parsha Vayakhel-Pekudei
This week we read the final two chapters of Shemot (Exodus 35 - 40). In the first we read what is mostly a rendition of the three previous chapters that describe the building of the Mishkan or Tabernacle. Here, again we read of how the men, women and children all contributed to the effort of not only providing materials but also in the making of the various parts of the Mishkan.
What is interesting is that four times we read the words, "wise-hearted". See Ex. 35:10, 35:25, 35:35 and 36:8. Something that is repeated four times can not be ignored. What are we to learn from this?
The great sage Ramban comments that none of the Israelites had learned the skills necessary for the work of the Sanctuary and the vestments. However, because they were intensely motivated to do the Divine will, they discovered that they were in fact able to do the skilled craftsmanship. This might be interpreted as a miraculous endowment of skills they had not had. However, the words of Ramban indicate that it was not an endowment of something new. Rather, it was a discovery that they had these skills within them.
What About You?
What hidden skills might you have that are only brought to light when you are motivated, often by a higher power? Many of us have been witness to abilities unimagined until something triggered them. Recently I was at a book reading where the author shared stories about his book. A book that only came to light during the pandemic when he was suddenly given time to create. Or the person who became ill and to pass the time in recovery discovered she had the ability to paint wonderful images that are amazing in their detail. Or the person who "discovered" their Jewish identity only when a long-lost relative made a surprise visit and told the family story...and now he teaches others.
Wise Heart
We usually think of wisdom as associated with the mind and brain rather than with the heart. We associate the heart with emotions rather than with wisdom. The Torah repeatedly refers to the “wise-hearted” to indicate the overriding influence of emotion over intellect, and that only when one's emotions permit can one implement the powers of the intellect.
We have untouched reserves of both physical and mental abilities. Under conditions of stress, people have been known to perform physical feats that they never thought were within their capacities. There is reason to believe that some geniuses were not of such superior intellect, but rather that their emotional investment allowed them to fully utilize their potential.
This is an important principle in education. If we can stimulate interest and desire for knowledge in children, they are likely to excel in their studies. A good teacher is, therefore, one who can reach the students in a way that they become “wise-hearted.”
Remembering Family
Recently Cary and Nancy Rothman came to Adas Israel and Cary placed his Mother's yahrzeit plaque on the memorial board. May her memory be a blessing.
Thank you for reading and Shabbat Shalom!
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