* PARSHA Q&A * In-Depth Questions on the Parsha with Rashi Parshas Vayakhel For the week ending 22 Adar 5754 4 & 5 March 1994 ========================================================================= Parsha Questions 1. Why is the prohibition against doing work on Shabbos written prior to the instruction for building the Mishkan? 2. Why does the Torah specify the prohibition of lighting a fire on Shabbos? 3. What function in the Mishkan did the "yisdos haMishkan" (pins) serve? 4. What function did the "bigdei hasrad" (knitted garments) serve? 5. Why were the Princes the last ones to contribute to the building of the Mishkan? How does the Torah show dissatisfaction of their actions? 6. Who does the Torah identify as the primary builders of the Mishkan? From which tribes were they? 7. What time of day did the people bring their daily contributions for the construction of the Mishkan? 8. For what was the woven goat's hair used? 9. What image was woven into the "Paroches"? 10. Why does the Torah attribute the building of the Aron to Betzalel? 11. Where were the sculptured Cherubim located? 12. How many lamps did the Menorah have? 13. Of what materials was the Incense Altar composed? 14. Of what material was the Burnt-Offering Altar composed? 15. How did the Ki'or (laver) promote peace? 16. The Ki'or was made from copper mirrors. What functon did these mirrors serve in Egypt? 17. Of what material were the pins made? Bonus Question Rashi says that Moshe assembled the congregation to instruct them on the building of the Mishkan on the day after Yom Kippur. How does Rashi know this? I Did Not Know That! How do you know that you can kindle a fire Erev Shabbos to use on Shabbos? "On the Shabbos day" -- On the Shabbos day you may not kindle a fire, but you may kindle a fire on Erev Shabbos to use on Shabbos. Mechilta "You shall not kindle a fire in all your dwelling places on the Shabbos day." Shmos 35:3 ========================================================================= Answers to Last Week's Questions - Parshas Ki Sisa Parsha Questions All references are to the verses and Rashi's commentary, unless otherwise stated. 1. There were three donations: For the Adanim, for buying public sacrifices and for the Mishkan. 2. 30:16 - After Yom Kippur of the 1st year, and in Iyar of the 2nd year. 3. 30:20,21 - To teach that he is punished not only for entering the Mishkan unwashed but also for sacrificing at the outer-Altar. 4. 30:25 - The anointing oil acquired its fragrance by skillfully mixing it with the spices mentioned in verses 23,24. 5. 30:26 - The anointing of Kings was in the shape of a crown; all other anointings were in the shape of a Greek X. 6. 30:34 - Eleven ingredients were used making the incense, four are mentioned in the Chumash. 7. 31:3 - Betzalel had: Wisdom - knowledge that he acquired from others; Understanding - understanding one thing from another; Knowledge - Divine inspiration. 8. 31:14 - The penalty for violating Shabbos if there is no warning is Kareis (excision). 9. 32:1, 33:11 - Moshe went up on the 7th of Sivan, came down on the 17th of Tamuz, broke the Tablets on the 18th of Tamuz, went up a second time on the 19th of Tamuz, went up a third time on the 1st of Elul, came down on the 10th of Tishrei. On the 1st of Nisan the Mishkan was completed. 10. 32:2,5 - Aaron asked for the for the earrings of the women and children, and also proclaimed a feast for the next day. 11. 32:7 - The "mixed multitude" were non-Jews who came out of Egypt, who Moshe accepted and converted. 12. 32:19 - Moshe reasoned: If with regards to one commandment (Pesach sacrifice) the Torah states that a non-Jew shall not partake, then how can I give the whole Torah which is in my hands to people who are now worshipping the golden calf. 13. 32:27 - Half-brothers, sharing the same mother. 14. 33:1 - The words "Lech Aleh" -- depart and go up. 15. In 32:13 Moshe recalls the merits of the Forefathers; in 33:19 he is taught the order of praying for mercy, i.e., the 13 Attributes. 16. 33:23 - Moshe "saw" the knot of the Tefillin. 17. 34:15 - To prevent intermarriage. 18. 34:26 - Three times -- to prohibit eating, cooking and benefit. Bonus Question Question: In the list of the "13 Attributes of Hashem," the name "Hashem" appears twice. Rashi explains that the name "Hashem" refers to the attribute of Mercy, and is repeated to teach that Hashem is merciful, both before a person sins, and also after he repents. Why does a person need mercy before he sins? Answer: Hashem is Merciful and Good to all His creation, and although He knows in advance that a person will sin, He still is merciful to that person. Sifsei Chachamim The Maharal from Prague answers that Hashem is Hashem whether a person sins or not, and this proves that Hashem is unchanging and not affected by human choice or action. ========================================================================= Ohr Somayach Institutions is proud to present: LIVING INSPIRED: by Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz An excerpt from the best-selling book Living Inspired, is based on a number of Rabbi Dr. Tatz's lectures. 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