Parshat Vayeishev
December 23, 2005

Az Yashir 13

“Tiviaymo Vetitaaymu Behar Nachalatecha Machon Leshivtecha Paalta Hashem, Mikdash Adon-ai Konenu Yadecha – You will bring them and implant them on the mountain of heritage, the foundation of Your dwelling place ... the Sanctuary that you Hashem have fashioned.”

Rav Schwab explains that this verse states the original goals of the Exodus – namely – to enter the land of Israel, build the Beit Hamikdash and serve Hashem and fulfill His Torah.

Unfortunately this did not take place immediately following the Exodus. The Torah tells us of the Sin of the Golden Calf, the evil report of the spies and the difficulties encountered in the desert. It was only after a full forty years and the passing of Moshe, Aharon and most of those that originally left Egypt that Joshua led the nation into the land of Israel.

In life generally many of our greatest plans and endeavors are met with a “Golden Calf” that obstructs immediate success. And only with patience, dedication and fortitude can we excel, succeed and triumph.

The Talmud in Ketubot 62B points out that the verse above states that only after they arrive in Israel will G-d provide a Sanctuary, but we know that in the second year of desert travel Hashem stated, “Veasu Li Mikdash Veshacahnti Betocham – Make for Me a Sanctuary so that I can dwell amidst the nation”.

This Talmudic passage clearly demonstrates just how beloved Bnei Yisrael is to G-d. It reminds us that G-d not only transmitted the Torah to us, but deeply desires us to fulfill its precepts and thereby be fulfilled – as we say in Tefilla each day Harotzeh Betshuvah – G-d desires our return, our prayers and our pursuit of truth.

As Chanukah approaches and we review and celebrate the miracles that occurred in the times of the Hasmoneans and the Second Temple – let us look past the Golden Calves of our day and A) pray for the dedication of the Third Temple and B) rededicate ourselves to eternal Jewish virtues, values and Mitzvoth.

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Ephraim Epstein

*Helpful Hint* Jot down some of the interpretations you learn into the margins of your personal siddur. This will enable you to access and utilize these and other Tefilla tips more easily.