The day of the Chanukas HaMishkan – the Inauguration of the Mishkan, the holy Sanctuary – was one of great joy and happiness. In fact, the Gemara teaches that the day of the Chanukas HaMishkan was as joyous for the Almighty as the day He created Heaven and Earth. It says: “Va’y’hi ba’yom ha’shmini–And it was on the eighth day,” and it says “Va’y’hi erev va’y’hi boker–And it was night, and it was day.”
The terminology of the word “va’y’hi” – both by the Creation of the World and by the Inauguration of the Mishkan – symbolizes the great celebration that was prevalent by both. Yet, at the same time, the word “va’y’hi” normally denotes tzaar – pain and suffering – as our Sages have taught in many places. Why, then, is the word “va’y’hi” employed here to correlate joy?
The answer is that, on this day, the two holy sons of Aharon HaKohen, Nadav and Avihu, were killed in a demonstrative way by the Hand of Hashem. This caused Aharon and the Nation much pain and anguish, for they did not understand why such a joyful day needed to be marred by this great loss. The word “va’y’hi” exemplifies this pain and lack of clarity. We do not always understand why Heaven acts the way it does, but we nevertheless believe with a pure heart, full of faith, that there is a purpose for everything, and all that Hashem does is for the good.
Around the turn of the 20th century, a man by the name of Yehudah Fetaya lived in Iraq. He was a simple Jew who was blessed with a wife and young son. He dreamed of visiting the Holy Land, and when he was able to make his dream into a reality, he took his son along with him. When he arrived, he was awed by the spirituality of the Land, the purity of the residents, and the longing for the ultimate redemption. He made an effort to visit many of the great rabbanim living there.
Arriving in Jerusalem, Yehudah Fetaya made a point of visiting the great Chacham Rabbeinu Avraham Chaim Ades zt”l. With great trepidation, he entered the Chacham’s house, leading his young son in together with him. He spent a few short minutes speaking with the great Chacham and then brought forth his son. However, instead of behaving well, the youngster displayed a marked lack of respect for both his father and their illustrious host.
Ashamed and furious, the father turned to his son and slapped him on the face. Though corporal punishment was common at this time, Rav Avraham Chaim turned to the father and said, “Enough! Don’t add to the boy’s suffering.”
Yehudah was confused. What suffering? The boy was perfectly fine; all he needed was some strong discipline. Having angrily sent his son out of the room, Yehudah asked the Chacham to explain his cryptic words.
“It is difficult to explain,” said Rav Avraham Chaim, “but your child is a gilgul (reincarnated soul) of a schoolteacher who used to hit his students without mercy. His anger brought about a terrible reaction and when he died, the Heavenly Tribunal decided that he must return to this world to suffer for the pain he inflicted on others and to purify his soul!”
Strange words, and a stranger concept, but Yehudah accepted them without question. They were to stand him in good stead in the next few difficult months.
The father and the son returned to Iraq, and soon the boy grew very sick. In intense pain, he turned to his father. “I’m not even bar mitzvah,” he whispered. “Why am I made to suffer like this?”
Yehudah was silent. He remembered Rav Avraham Chaim’s words and wondered if he should share them with his son. Looking at the boy’s strained, anxious face, he made his decision, and told his son all that Rav Avraham Chaim had said.
At first, he didn’t understand; but the boy was smart, and as soon as he realized what was happening, the pain in the boy’s eyes seemed to lighten. “In that case,” he said to his father bravely, “I need a tikkun for my neshamah.”
With copious tears pouring down both their cheeks, Yehudah recited the special prayer for a tikkun (rectification), and then concluded with the Viduy, the final confession, together with his son. A look of peace descended on the suffering youngster’s face, and he returned his soul – purified – to his Maker. For many years, Rabbeinu Yaakov Ades, son of Rav Avraham Chaim, used to relate this story to comfort mourners after the passing of young people.
Rabbi Dovid Hoffman is the author of the popular “Torah Tavlin” book series, filled with stories, wit and hundreds of divrei Torah, including the brand new “Torah Tavlin Yamim Noraim” in stores everywhere. You’ll love this popular series. Also look for his book, “Heroes of Spirit,” containing one hundred fascinating stories on the Holocaust. They are fantastic gifts, available in all Judaica bookstores and online at http://israelbookshoppublications.com. To receive Rabbi Hoffman’s weekly “Torah Tavlin” sheet on the parsha, e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
