Night Light

In the beginning of this week's Parsha we are informed that Moshe gathered together all of Klal Yisrael in order to begin the construction of the Mishkan. (See Rashbam, Ibn Ezra and Ramban Shemos 35:1) It seems that in order to build the Mishkan, the place from which Hashem's glory could be perceived, it was necessary for the entirety of Klal Yisrael to be gathered together. I have always seen this as being an extremely important lesson. In order for Klal Yisrael to allow Hashem's glory to shine through our actions, it is first necessary for all of us to unify and act as one.

I also find it interesting to note that this Parsha is generally read as we approach the spring. Not only do we find many ideas of unification in the Megillah which is read during the month of Adar, but there is a very interesting phenomenon that occurs in the sky this time of year. After the sun sets below the horizon its light is still able to be seen due to it being reflected off the atmosphere and clouds. This is why after sunset we have a period of twilight during which the sun's rays slowly diminish until they are no longer perceptible. As spring approaches one can see another form of light even after twilight. Although the sun's rays are no longer being reflected back to our planet, in dark skies one can perceive a glow emanating from the horizon and rising up into the sky. It appears somewhat triangular with its base on the ground and is a very pretty sight. This light is called zodiacal light and what we are seeing is many tiny dust particles that are far off in the Solar System that are reflecting the sun's light. This is very similar to how planets can be seen as stars since they too reflect the sun's light and are then perceptible back here on Earth. This light can be seen twice a year, during the spring and autumn. In the springtime it is noticeable after the evening twilight and in the autumn it is noticeable just before dawn.

(There have been those that have published that this is what the Yerushalmi in Berachos calls Ayeles HaShachar. I do not believe that to be the case, but unfortunately this post is not the place for that discussion. My upcoming book does address the identity of Ayeles HaShachar. I have already signed with a publisher and we are working on the book to have it ready for publication soon. I will try and keep everyone posted as the time nears. Sorry for one of many shameless plugs, more will be forthcoming IY"H.)

Each speck of dust by itself reflects a miniscule amount of light. In fact, by themselves these cosmic grains would be totally invisible to us. However, when they are all seen together they reflect a beautiful glow. If one were to condense all the specks into one big chunk, its light would be so bright that it would be the brightest star/planet in the sky. Each member of Klal Yisrael reflects light in a unique way, but it is when all the individuals unite that we can see a truly brilliant radiance.