The Mishkan and tzaraat

11 Questions

What are the 3 parts that make up the Tanach?

Torah, Nevi'im, Ketuvim

How did the Bnei Yisrael know when to pack up and move during their journey in the desert?

They followed the cloud of Hashem by day and a pillar of fire by night.

What was the purpose of the Mishkan (portable Temple) that Moshe was asked to create?

To create a home for Hashem so that He could dwell among His people.

Why did Hashem ask the Bnei Yisrael to build the Mishkan?

To have a place for communication, as a joint venture, and for unity among the tribes.

What was the purpose of bringing sacrifices to the Mishkan?

To atone for sins or to express gratitude.

What was tzaraat?

A skin disease that took different forms.

What was the most common cause of tzaraat?

Speaking about others – Lashon Hara.

What did Miriam complain to Aharon about Moshe?

She complained about Moshe’s marriage.

What was wrong with Miriam’s words?

Her words were derogatory and critical of Moshe's marriage.

Who was known as the Chafetz Chaim and why?

The Chafetz Chaim was Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan, known for writing about guarding one's speech.

What is Lashon Hora and what does it include?

Speaking badly about others, including derogatory speech, tales, gestures, and written words.

Study Notes

The Tanach and Its Structure

The Tanach is another name for the Hebrew Bible, consisting of three main parts: Torah, Nevi'im, and Ketuvim.
The Torah consists of five books written by Moshe (Moses), including Shemot.
Nevi'im includes books of the Prophets, such as Joshua.
Ketuvim encompasses various Writings, including Megillat Esther.

The Journey of the Bnei Yisrael

The Bnei Yisrael traveled through the desert towards Canaan, guided by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
When the cloud lifted, the Bnei Yisrael would pack up and follow it, setting up camp where it stopped.
The duration of their stay varied, from a day to longer periods.

The Mishkan (Portable Temple)

After giving the Torah at Sinai, G-d asked Moshe to create a portable temple, the Mishkan, as a dwelling place among the Bnei Yisrael.
The Mishkan served as a place for sacrifices, atonement, and gratitude, as well as a site for communication between Hashem and Moshe.
When the Bnei Yisrael encamped, the Mishkan was erected, and each tribe settled around it.

The Significance of the Mishkan

Building the Mishkan was a joint effort, uniting the 2-3 million Jews from different tribes.
The Mishkan represented a joint venture, promoting unity among the Bnei Yisrael.

Types of Jews

Today, there are various types of Jews, including Ashkenazim, Sefardim, Hasidic, Orthodox, Reform, Masorti, Irreligious, and Zionist.

Tzaraat (Skin Disease)

In the Torah, tzaraat was a skin disease with different forms, affecting the body, clothing, belongings, and houses.
According to the rabbis, tzaraat was caused by sin, making it a unique disease.
Symptoms included swelling and whitish-red spots on the body.

Lashon Hara (Speaking Badly About Others)

Lashon Hara includes saying derogatory things, telling tales, speaking negatively, or making facial gestures that imply something bad about someone.
It also includes reporting information that will cause resentment, listening to gossip, speaking badly about oneself, or writing hurtful things about others.
However, it is permitted to share information to prevent harm or financial loss, but one should stick to facts and avoid exaggeration.

The Chafetz Chaim

The Chafetz Chaim, Rabbi Yisroel Meir Kagan, wrote about the importance of guarding one's speech.
He emphasized the need to avoid evil speech and gossip, as stated in Psalms: "Who is the person who wishes to live - he who guards his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking gossip."