Why Does the Torah Repeat Itself?

In this and last week’s Torah portion, the Torah details how the Jews constructed the sanctuary and the priestly clothing. The verses are almost a complete repetition of the previous Torah portions where G-d explained the steps and process of building the sanctuary to Moses. 

The Torah is very precise. The Torah could have sufficed by telling us that the Jews did as G-d commanded. There must be a reason that the Torah repeats itself.

The Rebbe explains that in between these two sections, that of the command and the fulfillment, we read about the sin of the golden calf, the gravest sin the Jews ever did. One may think such a critical sin would prevent G-d from resting in the sanctuary as He had promised. So after we read about the sin, the Torah repeats all the details again to show us the power of repentance.

When one does complete Teshuva, sincerely regrets his actions, and returns to the level he was at previously, G-d accepts it completely. G-d shows us with this repetition that when one decides to reconnect, his sins are erased, and he’s the same person he was before. There’s no difference between before the sin and afterward. He’s the same precious Jew in the eyes of G-d. 

We are promised that when every Jew does Teshuva, even the mere thoughts of reconnecting, we will merit Moshiach and the true Redemption. May it be speedily in our days!

Shabbat candle lighting time is at 6:45 PM

Shabbat Shalom!!