[Avodah] Vayakhel, Pikudei

[cantorwolberg at cox.net]

[Vayakhel, email #1. -micha]

The Torah states, "The men came with the women; everyone whose heart
motivated (n'div leiv) him brought bracelets..." Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh
explains that there is a difference between "n'div leiv -- motivated
heart" which is a noun and "asher yidvenu leibo -- to give from the
generosity of heart," which is a verb. "N'div leiv" is the essence of
the person. One who is classified as "n'div leiv" is innately one with a
generous heart. On the other hand, the one who is classified as "yidvenu
leibo" is the one who performs an act of situational generosity. Had it
not presented itself, it would not have happened. It does not genuinely
reflect on the essence of the person. He simply was motivated at that
moment to act generously. A perfect example of this is when one gives
to a charity only when solicited. That is "yidvenu leibo".

Ohr HaChaim HaKadosh continues that the one who is "n'div leiv" gives
without consideration for his own needs or taking into account his own
limitations. It is the equivalent of one who is classified by the Torah as
"nisaoh leibo -- inspired heart." The inspiration of this individual is so
consuming that his focus is solely on the cause -- ignoring his own needs.

The Gemara in Tractate Chagigah cites a verse which states, "How beautiful
are your steps, the daughter of the benefactor (bas nadiv)." The Jews
are referred to as the "bas nadiv" because they are the descendants of
Abraham, who selflessly gave his heart to God (n'div leiv). Abraham
gave of himself without limitation. When one truly loves something,
all that exists at that moment is the object of his love. Nothing else
exists at that moment to interfere with his objective. All that mattered
to Abraham was to fulfill the will of God. As a result of his selfless
behavior, Abraham was referred to by God as "My beloved." His essence was
"n'div leiv."

The Gemara tells us that mercy, shame/conscience, and acts of kindness are
characteristics that are inherent in the Jewish people. This is because
they descend from Avraham who possessed these characteristics. The Jewish
people are referred to as the "daughter of the benefactor -- bas n'div"
(Abraham our Patriarch) because every Jew inherently has the potential
to give of himself selflessly as Abraham had done.


[Pikudei, email #2. -micha]

Part of this portion goes into meticulous detail regarding the
'bigdei kehuna," (the clothing of the kohanim). The word "beged,"
in addition to meaning "garment" can also mean "betrayal" ("bagad" to
deal treacherously and "b'gidah" treachery). What is this telling us?
Clothing, garments or vestments like anything else used improperly is
a betrayal to what's right.

When the garments were used for holiness, they were "bigdei hakodesh"
(holy vestments). This term "bigdei hakodesh" (holy vestments) appears in
the Torah occasionally (Ex.39:1). Where do we ever hear of holy garments?
Could you imagine going to Macy's and requesting a holy pair of jeans
[they'd probably refer you to the Salvation Army]. The word "kadosh"
(holy) can also have the opposite meaning. If the bigdei kehuna were
properly utilized, then there was Kedusha in the most positive sense.
But if not, it was a betrayal to HaShem and the kedusha reversed.


Humility and knowledge in poor clothes excel pride and ignorance in
costly attire. William Penn