From Level to Level

This week’s Torah portion is Parshat Re’eh. In Parshas Re’eh, it talks about the Beis Hamikdash, the Holy Temple. It needs to be built in the place that G-d chose, in the land of Israel, Eretz Yisroel. Commentaries explain that the difference between the tabernacle in the desert and the Holy Temple on Har Habayis, the Temple Mount is that the land on which the Bais Hamikdash stood became holy, as well. The earth retains its holiness until this very day. The Bais Hamikdash was not built on a flat surface. Each section of the temple was on a different level. As one went from section to section, further into the Bais Hamikdash, one also reached higher and higher levels of holiness. The Kodesh (“Holy”) and the Kodesh Hakedoshim (“Holies of Holies”), two areas of the Bais Hamikdash, were on the same level. The Kodesh Hakedoshim housed the ark and the tablets received on Mount Sinai. That is obviously a holier place than the Kodesh, where some of the other vessels were placed. Why are they on the same level? The Holies of Holies, however, was infinitely greater than the Kodesh. There’s no comparison between the two. No amount of steps separating the two will make it easier to reach that level. However, the mere fact that it was placed on even ground, shows that it is, at times, possible to reach that level of connection to G-d. We read this Torah portion before entering the month of Elul, the last month on the Jewish calendar. This month is a preparation for Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, and the “Days of Awe.” There are levels to preparing oneself to enter G-d’s chamber. But if we do all that we can, and really put in sincere effort, we can jump straight to the highest level, without any steps! May we merit to see the third Bais Hamikdash, with the coming of Moshiach speedily in our days!

Going around this week, we put on Tefilin with over 40 men! We learned with the visitors to our tanks, and gave out Shabbat candles to those who needed! Please support our vital work, by helping us cover the costs of our new Mitzvah Trailer! Check out the link at mitzvahtank.nyc/trailer. Thank you!

This week, Shabbat candle lighting time in Manhattan is before 7:47 PM. Wishing you a peaceful and rejuvenating Shabbat!