A Parsha Thought
By the Grace of G-d
Erev Rosh Chodesh Adar Rishon, 5744
Brooklyn, N. Y.
To All Participants in the Jewish Women's Convention
Glasgow, Scotland
Blessing and Greeting:
I was pleased to be informed of the forthcoming Three Day Convention and Seminar taking place during the week of the Sedra Vayakhel.
It is customary to turn to the weekly Sedra of the Torah for inspiration and instruction in regard to the week's events, for "Torah" means "instruction."
The Sedra Vayakhel begins with the "convention' of all the Jewish people which Moshe Rabbeinu called together to tell them about G-d's command and desire to have a Mishkan (Sanctuary) built and consecrated to His Name, as the visible symbol of G-d's Presence in the midst of all the Jewish people. The Sedra then relates of the generous response of both the men and women to the appeal for gold and silver and brass and the other materials necessary for the Mishkan with its holy belongings. Special mention is made of the enthusiastic response of the Jewish women, who readily parted with their most precious personal possessions for this holy cause, and inspired their husbands to follow their example.
What took place in connection with the construction of the physical sanctuary in the desert on the way to the Promised Land, has had its counterpart in the building of the spiritual sanctuary for the Divine Presence in the hearts and homes of Jews throughout the generations. Here, too, Jewish housewives and mothers excelled themselves with their readiness to make the greatest personal sacrifices to ensure that their home be truly a "Mishkan" for the Divine Presence, and that their children, boys and girls, would continue to build such sanctuaries of their own when they grow up and establish their own homes.
If this has been the vital role of Jewish women in past generations, when Torah Yiddishkeit was not faced with crucial challenges — how much more important is it for Jewish women, mothers and daughters, to fulfill their historic role of helping build and strengthen our "sanctuaries" in this day and age.
It is therefore very gratifying when Jewish women gather at a Convention and Seminar for just this purpose, so that through concerted and programmed activities all the better to fulfill their vital role in the preservation and dissemination of Torah-true Yiddishkeit.
With prayerful wishes for Hatzlocho in all above
With blessing,
