וְנָתַתָה אֹתוֹ לִפְנֵי הַפָרֹכֶת ...
And you should place it (the golden mizbe’ach) in front of the paroches...(Shemos 30:6)
The Shulchan was on the north side of the Mishkan. The Menorah was on the south side of the Mishkan. The Golden Mizbeach was placed between them, in the middle of the Mishkan. The Shulchan with the 12 loaves of Lechem HaPanim represent our involvement in the physical aspects of life. The Menorah with the 7 candles represent our involvement in the spiritual aspects of life.
The Golden Mizbe’ach was the central point of the Kodesh area of the Mishkan. Upon it, a kohen would offer the incense offering, which was ריח נחוח לשם - “a pleasant aroma for Hashem”. It teaches us that when a Jew is doing anything, whether it’s part of the physical or the spiritual aspect of his life, he should find “the central point in his heart”—i.e., the point of connection between him and Hashem in this activity through which he will be doing the activity in a way that it will be “a pleasant aroma for Hashem”.
Rhymes for Kids
Moshe Rabbeinu did not give any donations to the Mishkan! Me’am Loez explains that reason for this is because Moshe Rabbeinu did something greater than contributing the materials. Namely, Moshe Rabbeinu inspired others to contribute. Our sages say: “Gadol hame’ase yoser min ha’ose” - The one who is the cause of the action is greater than the one who actually performs it!
Your mitzva is important,
But so is the one of your brother,
Great is the mitzva to inspire ______.
Riddles & Trivia
As the sun moves from east to west, Shabbos occurs first in Yerushalayim, and then in New York.
But which mitzvah is observed first in New York, and then in Yerushalayim?
(The “Hints & Answers” section is on page 4)
