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each other sufficient honor. They did not consider their colleagues greater
than themselves. This is the definition of the maxim, “Either a friend or
death.” Without a friend from whom one can learn, life is worthless.
What was the unique virtue of Rashbi, causing the masses to converge
exclusively upon his grave every day? This can be explained based on the
incident regarding Rabbi Akiva’s shiur. Rashbi sat at the back and became
depressed. Rabbi Akiva consoled him by saying, “It is enough for you that
Hakadosh Baruch Hu and I recognize your greatness.” Rashbi was
certainly not looking for respect. He wanted to sit up front in order to have
the chance to work on his middot, considering those sitting in the back as
greater than himself.

Rashbi sacrificed his life for the sake of Torah. He fought the Romans and
spoke disparagingly about them. This was to ward off any influence they
The Torah depicts the erection and dismantling of the Mishkan in great might have otherwise had on the Jews. The Chashmonaim behaved
detail. Also described at length is the arrangement of the tribe of Levi, similarly during the time of the Greeks. Theirs was a national victory,
who carried its parts, as well as the details of the vessels. This demands warranting a festival in commemoration. Rashbi, on the other hand, gained
explanation. All of the forms of forbidden labor on Shabbat, which apply a personal salvation from the hands of the Romans. Therefore, his hilula
to all generations, are learned only through allusions in the work of the is celebrated every year.
Mishkan, which are not spelled out, whereas the details of assembling and Every sin and every forbidden sight influences a person. Each additional
dismounting the Mishkan, a provisional command applicable only for that sin increasingly veils one’s eyes, just like curtains that curtail the sunlight
generation, were described in detail.
from entering a room. Therefore, it is crucial to rectify one’s sin
The Torah emphasizes the work done in assembling and dismounting the immediately, so that he should never fall into complete darkness.
Mishkan because it was the assignment of the tribe of Levi, those who
toiled in Torah and did not sin with the Calf. Even while yet in Egypt,
they were involved in Torah study. Every person should learn from here
the importance of building a miniature Mishkan inside of himself.

Hakadosh Baruch Hu commanded Moshe to instruct the people to observe
two days of preparation prior to Matan Torah. Moshe, of his own accord,
added a day, instructing the nation to prepare for three days (Shabbat 87a).
Hashem agreed with his reasoning. There are two principles to learn here. “Hashem spoke to Moshe and Aharon, saying:
The first is the superiority of Shevet Levi, for Moshe, who came from that Take a census of the sons of Kehat from among
shevet, received authorization from Hashem to add another day of the sons of Levi, according to their families,