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T2T Torah

by Atara Lakritz

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Shabba

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it's a weekly opportunity to refocus your life.

Last week, we read the double portion of Va'yakhel/Pekudei and conclude the book of Shemot

(Exodus). Previously, the Torah spoke of the sin of the golden calf. The main topic discussed in this

week's reading is the building of the mishkan, or sanctuary, that the Jews used in the wilderness.

Before detailing its construction, however, the Torah portion deals with the observance of Shab-

bat: "Six days shall you perform labor, and the seventh day shall be holy"(35:2). The mention of

Shabbat here is relatively brief, and thus the question is, why is it included here at all?

Shabbat here acts as a kind of bridge to the building of the mishkan. Earlier, when the com-

mandment of observing the Sabbath is explained, the Torah states the commandment, goes into

all the laws concerning it and then reiterates the same commandment. We know that the activities

performed in the building of the mishkan are explained in detail because they constitute the defini-

tion of "work" prohibited on the Shabbat.

An explanation I found is that the Torah is reminding the Jewish people that all the details

included about building the mishkan, while definitely important, are not nearly as central as the

lifestyle of those who create and use the "dwelling place for God."

Another answer is that, as it says in the Talmud, one who sins but then keeps Shabbat is for-

given. After the incident of the golden calf, the Jewish people are being told that if they follow the

commandment of Shabbat, their transgression might be pardoned. This is an idea that Jews of any

background can relate to. Even if you do not have a strong Jewish presence in your life on a daily

basis, you always have the opportunity to refocus your life at the end of each week.

As a high school student, the week is often grueling, with papers I have

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to write, tests to study for and numerous other commitments. Shabbat is a

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weekly gift that offers me a chance to wind down and relax, think about what

I have done, and make sure that I am staying true to what I believe.

It is this message that is relevant to any Jew, at any level of observance.

Shabbat Shalom.

Atara Lakritz, 16, Is a Junior at the Frankel Jewish Academy In West

Bloomfield.

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