QUESTION: The verse (Shmos 37, 1) states Betazalel made the Aron. Obviously, others assisted in the Aron, just as they had in the other vessels, which the verses specifically state “they” made. Why is the Aron ascribed only to Betzalel?
ANSWER: Betzalel was unique in totally devoting himself (mesiras nefesh) more than the others into the actual building of the Aron (not acting like a foreman). Thus, the verse refers to the Aron as if only he made it. (לקוטי שיחות כרך יא, עמ' 168)
QUESTION: ויקהל משה. למחרת יום -הכיפורים, כשירד מן ההר (פירוש רש"י, שמות לה,א) How did Rashi know that Moshe gathered the people on the 11th of Tishrei (and not the tenth)? Why did Moshe wait till the next day to teach the people about Shabbos & building the Mishkan?
ANSWER: The Torah says Moshe gathered the people, it must the eleventh. When Moshe came down on the tenth, obviously all the people gathered to see Moshe and what happened after 40 days on the mountain. When Moshe came down from the mountain with the second Luchos, a powerful urge developed in the people to receive the Torah and were happy regarding the forgiveness by G-d. Thus, they were so involved in the matter of slichah and Torah itself, no room was left for anything else. (לקוטי שיחות כרך ו, עמ' 210)
QUESTION: What specific effect did the women accomplish (for which they are praised) that they spun the wool direct from the goats?
ANSWER: The women were not commanded, but chose to honor the Mishkan with the best. Wool is usually shorn and then spun. This process tends to “dry out” the wool and make it like an item in the mineral world. By spinning direct from the goat, the product was improved and the donation became direct from the higher (more desired) level of a living animal. (לקוטי שיחות כרך טז, עמ' 449)
QUESTION: Why the need for the emphasis that Ohaliav (low) and Betzalel (high) were equal in the building of the Mishkan as indicated by Rashi?
ANSWER: All the Jews give in differing levels. Some gave silver, gold, others gave jewels etc. Similar to the half-shekel (a poor man gives no less, a rich man no more) everyone gives according to their ability and they are all considered as giving equally. So, too, Ohaliav of a “low” ancestry could be equated with Betzalel of a “high” ancestry. (לקוטי שיחות כרך לא , עמ' 211)
QUESTION: What is the symbolic meaning of the four types of jewelry donated to the Mishkan: earrings, nose rings, finger rings, and arm bands?
ANSWER: The Previous Rebbe (Likkutei Dibburrim vol 3 & Kovetz Chof Beis Shvat 7-10) elaborates on the symbolic meaning of each ornament as guidance in one’s home environment
- Earrings – Lend an Ear: listen when others speak; be receptive to good advice and guidance
- Nose Rings – Use your Nose: be alert to unhappiness of others around you; help mold a healthy environment
- Finger Rings – Point Things Out: give advice and guidance; show that your advice is based on concern, and don’t simply order
- Arm Bands – Strong-Arm Tactics: Be pro-active to prevent; discipline is part of the responsibility of a parent, but discipline oneself first
