5783/2023

This week's Parashiot, Parashat Vayakhel-Pehudei, deal with

constructing the Mishkan and making the בגדי כהונה. What was the significance of the בגדי כהונה? According to Halacha, the clothes of the Kohen Gadol needed to fit him exactly. But what does that mean—how could they ever fit him perfectly throughout all the years of his service?

Rabbi Eyebschutz answers this question by saying that the .of the Kohen Gadol grew with him during his service בגדים Rabbi Aryeh Markman says that these clothes were a constant reminder of the purpose that the Kohen Gadol has. It helps to .כוונה keep him mindfully on his job, and to do it with the right Some say that the חושן could only serve as a reminder to the Kohen Gadol of his purpose while he was wearing it, whereas others argue that it is effective even when he is not wearing it. We can see from here, that the חושן really can have an everlasting effect on the Kohen, by acting as a remembrance of who he is, and the role he has for all of Klal Yisrael. Once the job is able to stay with him even if he wasn’t wearing these he becomes a leader on and off the court, Lehavdil. With ,בגדים the idea of having an everlasting effect, let’s turn to this week's Parashah, which says “ו ֥יצאו כל ־עדת בני ־ישר ֖אל מלפ ֥ני מ ֽשה,” “And all the congregation of Bnei Yisrael departed from [Moshe’s] presence” (Shemot 35:20). What does this mean that they departed from Moshe’s presence? After they met Moshe, it says that they left with him. Rabbi Neiman answers that we could uncover what this really means just by looking at their faces and behaviors. Once they met someone as holy as Moshe, it gave them an effect that they kept with them forever. Rav Shalom Rosner says that “מלפני משה'' shows that Bnei Yisrael always took where they came from with them—they didn't want to forget and only focus on where they are going. Similarly, the Gemara in Yoma says that people should look at us and our actions and say ‘he's got great teachers, parents, and Rebbeim.’ Just like doing Mitzvot, the effect it has on one stays with them throughout any situation you are in, just pushing you to do even more Mitzvot. A prime example of this that applies nowadays is during Purim. During the day, we exchange Mishloach Manot, and listen to Megillah twice—two Mitzvot. The reason for implanting Yiddishkeit in children at such a young age is so that they keep making memories over the years and strengthening their connection with Hashem. In life, we should take our wonderful experiences with us and internalize them, and we shouldn’t let them escape, as they help frame the people we are and want to be.