בס”ד
By Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
Painting by: Baruch Nachshon z”l
This parsha discusses the mitzva of tefillin. In this painting we see the tefillin as a
central theme. Just under the tefillin we see a shin, which is a letter that appears on
the box of the tefillin and stands for God’s Name Shadai. Surrounding the tefillin we
see images correlating to the Beit Hamikdash. One of the connections we can
ascertain from this is that both the tefillin and the Beit Hamkdash are described as a
“house,” and that both are a “receptacle” so-to-speak for the Divine Name/Presence.
We see a lion and a deer surrounding these images, which suggest how tefillin
strengthens one’s devotion to the Godly service in the way that Rabbi Yehuda ben
Tema says “be swift as a deer anx mighty as a lion to do the Will of Your Father in
Heaven.” We see very colorful birds and butterflies. Their common feature is the
ability to fly. This matter helps them bridge between “heaven” and “earth” which is yet
another theme that unifies tefillin with the Beit Hamikdash. The Beit Hamikdash
represents “da’at” or “Tiferet” according to the Ramban, which unite seemingly
opposites, such as heaven and earth. Tefilin with its letters rearranged in order spells
Naftali which means connection especially to Hashem – it is through tefillin that
earthly man is connected to the Divine spheres of “heaven” with devout devotion.
We see twelve leaves rising to Heaven, apparently hinting to the twelve tribes who
are united around and by the Temple, and whose prayers rise to Heaven each in its
own unique way. We see the seven lights of the Menora rising and seven drops of
water descending, apparently correlating and complementing each other, for fire
stands for the sefira of gevura, and water for the opposite aspect of kindness.
Hebron also means connection and it is through this connection that we not only
remember the Exodus hinted by the tefillin but also stride towards our future
redemption in the merit of our holy Patriarchs.