Shabbat Nachamu 3 of 7
Parasha: Re eh (to see, Behold)
Torah: Devarim 11:26 – 16:17
When Moshe built the Mishkan, The Tent of Meeting, it was supposed to be the “ground zero” for every religious activity that took place in the camp. It seems that some of the “wise guys” that were living in the camp had a better idea on how to conduct religious activities. Here is what Moshe has to teach us:
8 You shall not at all do as we are doing here today — every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes — 9 for as yet you have not come to the rest and the inheritance which Avinu Elohekah is giving you. 10 But when you cross over the Jordan and dwell in the land which Avinu Elohekah is giving you to inherit, and He gives you rest from all your enemies round about, so that you dwell in safety, 11 then there will be the place where Avinu Elohekah chooses to make His name abide. There you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, your sacrifices, your tithes, the heave offerings of your hand, and all your choice offerings which you vow to Avinu. 12 And you shall rejoice before Avinu Elohekah, you and your sons and your daughters, your male and female servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no portion nor inheritance with you. 13 Take heed to yourself that you do not offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see; 14 but in the place which Avinu chooses, in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you. (De 12:8-14)
Man always has a “better idea”. Most of the time it’s called “idolatry”. Here is some good teaching from Moshe:
12:1 These are the statutes and judgments, which you shall observe to do in the land, which Avinu Elohei avoteinu gives you to possess it, all the days that you live on the earth.
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