Mishkan- The Divine Presence

Found 10 Search results

The Eighth Day and the Sin of Nadav and Avihu
Prof. Jonathan Grossman
What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu? This article offers an explanation related to the status and function of the kohanim, and the standing of non-kohanim in relation to the Divine Presence.
The Architecture of Holiness
Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
From Parshat Teruma to the end of the book of Exodus the Torah describes, in painstaking detail and great length, the construction of the Mishkan, the first collective house of worship of the Jewish people. Precise instructions are given for each item – the Tabernacle itself, the frames and drapes, and the various objects it contained – including their dimensions.

But why do we need to know how big the Tabernacle was? It did not function in perpetuity. Its primary use was during the wilderness years. Eventually it was replaced by the Temple, an altogether larger and more magnificent structure. What then is the eternal significance of the dimensions of this modest, portable construction?

Through an analysis of the purpose of the Mishkan, we can understand that it was a micro-cosmos, a symbolic reminder of the world God made. The fact that the Divine presence rested within it was not meant to suggest that God is here not there, in this place not that. It was meant to signal, powerfully and palpably, that God exists throughout the cosmos. It was a man-made structure to mirror and focus attention on the Divinely-created universe. It was in space what Shabbat is in time: a reminder of creation.

This article is part of the Covenant & Conversation series.

To read more from Rabbi Sacks or to subscribe to his mailing list, please visit http://www.rabbisacks.org/. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The Complementary Verses of the Command Concerning the Mishkan
Rabbi Yehuda Rock
The four complementary verses that conclude the commands concerning the Mishkan describe the daily sacrifice and its purposes: a meeting place between God and Israel, sanctification of Ohel Moed and the altar, the emanation of the Shechina, and the sanctification of the Kohanim. Through an examination of the text, we can notice that these purposes serve to map out the important milestones in the narrative of the Torah, from the time of the forefathers up until Sefer Bamidbar.
Ramban on Teruma: The Mishkan and the Divine Presence
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 35 minutes
In his introduction to Parashat Teruma Ramban focuses on introducing the concept of the Mishkan and its placement in the Torah immediately after Parashat Mishpatim. Ramban seeks to explain the concept of why there is a need for a “Divine dwelling place” – what is the purpose of the Mishkan? He gives an interpretive summary of Parashat Yitro and Parashat Mishpatim, emphasizing that the Jewish people had received some mitzvot and had pre-emptively accepted all future mitzvot. They are now ready to be a special nation and to experience the Divine Presence in their midst.
Terumah: Is There a Face Hiding in the Tabernacle?
Rabbi David Fohrman |
In Parshat Terumah, we are given explicit details about how to build the mishkan, the Tabernacle that traveled with the nation of Israel through the wilderness. In this video, Rabbi Fohrman suggests that the mishkan might represent a hidden 'face' - and asks us to think about who we really are, our physical bodies, or the souls that lies behind them?

If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.
Tetzaveh: Where Is God In a Physical World?
Rabbi David Fohrman |
Last week's parsha video outlines the mishkan as a 'face' of God, and this week, he delves into the paradox - how can God be both outside of space and time, and in our physical world? Rabbi Fohrman argues that maybe the face of the mishkan gives us the answer, and begins to explore the similarities between humankind and God.

If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.
"The Divine Presence Within Israel is a Need of the People" - "Shechina BeYisrael Tzorech Hediot"
Rabbi Ezra Bick | 36 minutes
We will be looking at a short section that is one of Ramban's most important comments in his entire commentary on the Torah. In a break from the usual, we will explore one of his comments that he categorizes as sod - the hidden, underlying meaning of the text. What does it mean that God took Israel out of Egypt so that He would dwell in their midst? Is the Exodus necessary for God to dwell in Israel's midst? Is it a conditional statement? Is dwelling in Israel's midst the purpose of the Exodus? Who benefits, and why is God's presence within Israel so crucial?

As we consider different responses to these questions, we gain insight into Ramban's approach to both peshat and Kabbalistic sod perspectives on the relationship between God and Israel.
Parshat Vayikra Part 1: Introduction to Sefer Vayikra
Shani Taragin | 25 minutes
This podcast presents an introduction to Sefer Vayikra, allowing us to appreciate this sefer based on both its unique content as well as its context and juxtaposition to the previous sefarim. An analysis of the verses in both Vayikra and Shemot allow us to understand the role of Sefer Vayikra as a model of the relationship between the people and God through the Mishkan, and learning to live in the presence of God both within and outside of the Mishkan. We also discuss the differences in the order of korbanot listing between parshiot Vayikra and Tzav, and what may account for those discrepancies.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com
Veno’adeti – And I will meet with you
Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky
The Importance of Yom Hashemini
Rabbi Menachem Leibtag | Hour and 10 minutes
This shiur discusses the day of inauguration of the Mishkan, Yom Hashmini, and highlights the differences in its portrayal in the books of Shemot, Vayikra and Bamidbar. A close analysis of the texts reveal an important lesson about what it means to be a leader.

Courtesy of tanachstudy.com