Welcome to Beyond Twelve Gates.
Interested in having a star named
after you? For $54, you can have a 12 x 16 inch certificate from the
Illinois company International Star Registry (ISR), claiming that a star has
been named for you or a loved one. You will receive a booklet with charts of
the constellations, along with a large detailed star chart with
"Your" star circled in red.
Interesting in becoming a
star? In the Book of Daniel (12:3) it says, "...and those who teach
righteousness to the multitudes (will shine) like the stars, forever and
ever." It is quite possible that the illumination we see from a star
is the energy of a star that burned out a long time ago. Yet, its effect
continues far beyond its physical life. So too, the effect that parents
and teachers have on their children and students is eternal. Reach to
become a star by teaching righteousness and ethical behavior to others.
The fruits of your labors will truly live on forever as shining examples of
your work.
Parshas Terumah
Exodus 25:1-27:19
Parshas Terumah begins a
series of four out of five portions which discuss in detail the construction of
the Mishkan, the traveling Tabernacle which would
serve as a 'resting place' for G-d's presence amongst the Jewish people.
This week's portion recounts G-d's description to Moses of how to construct the
Mishkan, beginning with a listing of the various
precious materials to be collected from the Jewish people for this monumental
project. G-d describes the magnificent golden and wooden Ark which would
house the tablets of the Ten Commandments, complete with its dazzling cover
depicting two cherubim (angels with faces of children) facing each other.
Next, G-d provides Moses with the blueprints of the shulchan
(holy table) upon which the lechem hapanim (showbread) would be placed each week.
Following the description of the pure golden menorah which was to be hammered
from one large piece of gold, G-d describes the structure of the Mishkan itself. It contained splendidly woven and
embroidered covers, curtains and partitions, and the sturdy outer walls.
The Torah portion concludes with instructions for the copper altar and the Mishkan's large outer courtyard.
Rabbinic Ruminations
How much is self-respect
worth? If your name is Gil Meche, it's worth at
least $12 million. Meche, a 32-year-old pitcher
for the Kansas City Royals, had a contract that called for a $12 million
guaranteed salary in 2011. However, because of a chronically injured
pitching shoulder, Meche decided to forfeit his
paycheck rather than take money he didn't feel he would earn.
“When I signed my contract, my main
goal was to earn it,” the Royals pitcher said. “Once I started to realize
I wasn’t earning my money, I felt bad. I was making a crazy amount of
money for not even pitching. Honestly, I didn’t feel like I deserved
it. I didn’t want to have those feelings again.” Meche’s decision plays against type -- the modern athlete
out for every last dollar.
It's been said that self-respect is
a matter of recognizing that anything worth having has a price. A
spiritually sensitive individual understands that such a price may involve not
taking handouts. The book of Proverbs (15:27) teaches, "A greedy
person corrupts his house, but one who disdains gifts will live."
Our first instinct should be to decline anything we don't earn -- out of a
concern for self-sufficiency, self-respect, and an awareness that with hard
work G-d will provide enough for our needs.
Quote of the Week
Most things I worry about never
happen anyway -- Tom Petty (American Rock 'n' Roll Singer)
Joke of the Week
Alvin is working in his store when
he hears a booming voice from above: “Alvin, sell your business.” He
ignores it. It goes on for days. “Alvin, sell your business for $3
million.” After weeks of this, he relents and sells his store. The
voice says ‘Alvin, take the $3 million to Las Vegas." Alvin
obeys. The voice says, “Alvin, go to a casino, find a
blackjack table and put it down all on one hand.” He hesitates but
knows he must. He’s dealt an 18. The dealer has a six
showing. “Alvin, take a card.” What? The dealer has — “Take a
card!” He tells the dealer to hit him. Alvin gets an ace. Nineteen. He breathes easy. “Alvin, take another
card.” What? “TAKE ANOTHER CARD!” He asks for another card. It’s another
ace. He has twenty. “Alvin, take another card,” the voice commands.
"I have twenty!" Alvin shouts. “TAKE ANOTHER CARD!!” booms the voice.
"Hit me," Alvin says. He gets a two. Twenty two.
Busted.
The booming voice says, “You've got
to be kidding.”
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