Parshas Pekudei (HaChodesh) 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Mar 27
- 2 min read
וירא משה את כל המלאכה וכו' ויברך אתם משה ... (לט-מג)
MASHAL: R’ Moshe Yitzchok of Chelm zt”l, known as the “Kelemer Maggid” was invited to a city for Shabbos, when a delegation of the middle-class members of the community asked him to use his influence with the rich to secure the construction of a new hospital for the poor, as the existing one was neglected and deteriorating. R’ Moshe spoke privately with the rich, but with no success. He advised the delegation to wait until his sermon on the following Shabbos.
A large turnout gathered to hear the famous Maggid, who was known as the man whose preaching made one cry and laugh at the same time. At the close of his eloquent drasha, the Maggid said: “Brethren, the Talmud says that the Shechinah (divine presence) rests at the head of the sick person. Now the Shechinah complained, it could not endure always being among the sick in cold and squalid rooms and asked that it might go into the palaces of the rich, where the surroundings would be more agreeable. Accordingly, it soon had its home in the palaces. But being in the Divine Presence all the time was uncomfortable for the rich, so they soon got together and built a well-equipped commodious hospital for the poor. There the Shechinah sojourned, and all were satisfied. Now, however the hospital is neglected and deteriorating - hence it is time for the rich to decide!” Sure enough, in due time, a fine hospital was erected in the city.
NIMSHAL: When the Mishkan was finally built, Moshe blessed the accomplishment saying, “May it be the will of Hashem that his Shechinah rest on your work” (Rashi). Indeed, it is the fervent prayer of every religious Jew - hopefully - that the Holy Shechinah grace its presence in one’s home, and that we are bound to His every commandment.