Prior to breaking the luchos (Tablets), Moshe said, "But the whole Torah is here and all the Israelites are apostates. How could I possibly give it to them?" (Rashi Ki Sisa 32, 19). This statement by Moshe is difficult to understand - What is the connection between the observations that "the Torah is here" and "all the Israelites are apostates"?

The Pardes Yosef answers that when Moshe first learned from Hashem that "your nation that you have brought up from Egypt has degenerated" (Ki Sisa 32, 7) and were worshipping the golden calf, Moshe was under the impression that Bnei Yisroel had been influenced by the other nations and had begun mimicking them in conducting their own rituals. Since Moshe believed that Bnei Yisroel was merely imitating the pagan services of the other nations, he was confident that Bnei Yisroel would quickly realize their error and repent.

However, when Moshe descended from the mountain, he realized that Bnei Yisroel did not merely adopt the ceremonies of the other nations, they had, in fact, created their own, unique god - a golden calf. Furthermore, Bnei Yisroel perpetrated this "in the camp," which means that the contrary was in vogue - Jewish rituals for a different god. Bnei Yisroel built an altar just like the one used in worshipping Hashem - ""Aharon saw and built an altar before him" (Ki Sisa 32, 5). They even uttered "Jewish prayers" to the idol - "These are your gods, o Israel, who brought you up from the land of Egypt" (Ki Sisa 32,4). The entire scene "looked" like the practice of Judaism, with one difference, the object of their worship was a golden calf instead of Hashem.

When Moshe realized that Jewish worship to a foreign god was occurring, he declared, "But the whole Torah is here", which means that it appears as if Bnei Yisroel are practicing the Torah, however, the truth is that "all the Israelites are apostates." Understanding that Bnei Yisroel had incorporated this heresy into the fabric of the Torah, Moshe was left with no alternative but to shatter the luchos.

The Bais HaLevi explains the Torah's reasoning with the following illustration. A man who has a son about to be married and loves him very much, will not only provide him with the basic necessities for the wedding, he will also shower his son with fineries and adornments well beyond the essentials of the wedding. Driven by this strong love, the father will purchase everything for the wedding, both the necessities and the "extras", simultaneously. However, a father who does not possess an intense love for his son, will purchase the fundamental requirements for the wedding and will wait to acquire the "extras" for him, depending upon whether the son sufficiently endears himself to his father.

Similarly with mitzvos, there are two types. There are mitzvos which are fundamental to the existence of a Jew, such as Shabbos, kashrus, tahara and Torah study, and there are mitzvos whose purpose is to enhance one's kedusha (holiness), such as constructing and having a Beis Hamikdash and bringing korbonos (sacrifices). These two types of mitzvos differ in their ability to create closeness to Hashem. The "fundamental" mitzvos allow one to become a servant of Hashem, while Mitzvos which enhance kedusha forge an even closer bond between man and Hashem.

As evidenced by every generation that has lived in exile without the Beis Hamikdash, a Jew is able to live a proper Torah life, albeit without attaining the highest level of kedusha. However, it is Hashem's desire for a person to perform these mitzvos in an upgraded fashion, at least commensurate with the person's pursuit of the finer things in life and then one can connect to Hashem on a higher level.

Based on the above understanding, the Bais HaLevi explains that before the sin of the golden calf in Parshas Ki Sisa, Hashem's love for Bnei Yisroel was at its pinnacle. Due to this intense desire by Hashem for a relationship with Bnei Yisroel, He wanted to create opportunities for them to achieve this higher level of connection with Him. Therefore, Hashem gave the mitzvah of building the Mishkan, which fosters enhanced spirituality, prior to the mitzvah of Shabbos, which is a core requirement. By commanding the mitzvah of building the Mishkan first, Hashem demonstrated his fondness for Bnei Yisroel, since this mitzvah represents the opportunity for an enhanced relationship with Hashem.

However, Parshas Vayakhel was written after the sin of the golden calf was committed, which caused Hashem's love for Bnei Yisroel to wane. Therefore, Hashem first instructed Bnei Yisroel in regard to Shabbos, which is a basic requirement for Jewish life but does not achieve maximum relationship with Hashem. However, it is possible for a person, after achieving this spiritual baseline, to enhance his level of kedusha and achieve a greater relationship with Hashem through the building of the Mishkan. A higher connection with Hashem can be achieved in this day and age as well, through the performing of mitzvos on an upgraded level.

TABLE TALK

THE DILEMMA
(What is permitted to do in this situation?)

The local housing code does not allow a home to have a basement suite unless it is waived by a variance, which is very rarely granted. Upon further investigation, Boruch discovers that many houses in the area do have basement suites, although the owners did not receive proper permission from the zoning board. One of the local housing inspectors intimated to Boruch that although the law does prohibit basement suites, the city has not enforced this law in many years.

Is it permissible for Boruch to convert the basement of this rental property into a separate living unit even though it is technically a violation of the city code?

Would your answer be the same if Boruch discovers that the reason for this law was to rectify a concern which prevailed over five decades ago and is no longer relevant in this day and age?

(Consult your Rav for a proper halachic ruling)

Last week's clues and answer: : I had the world at my feet; My name was my fate; Me and my big mouth; Family surfing can be dangerous (Hang Ten) - Haman

Congratulations to Mr. Tzvi Ben Gedalyahu, Betzalel Freedman, Mr. Shlomie Glicksman, Sheera Krainess and Mr. Marc Millstein

TORAH RIDDLE

Is it possible for the Shabbos Haftorah portion to change from the time the Shabbos Torah reading begins until the Torah reading is over?

(Please send us your answer by e-mail to gkrainess@adelphia.net. The answer will appear in next week's issue)

Last week's question and answer: What was the name of King Achashverosh's horse which Haman lead through Shushan with Mordechai riding on top? - Shifregaz

Congratulations to Yehuda Leib Goldfarb, Tova Gittle Max and Dr. Jeff Solomon

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

(Please inform us if you wish to have a happy or solemn occasion or a community or personal event posted on the Community Bulletin Board - Thank you.)

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