Timely message

We have to thank Hashem for the snow & ice !
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.

What to say

What can you tell someone who says I give up. I can't do it. Its impossible.

Say. I know how you feel. Moshe felt the same way when hashem told him to erect the mishkon. See rashi on verse.

Hashem said go through the motions and I will make it happen for you.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.

Answer depends on Thought

The reason saving a life overrides is in order to live to observe many more shabosos.

Thus the intention is to keep shabat & serve Hashem.
But one who desecrates the shabos because he dosent care to honor Hashems day is disrespectful thus his intention is in reverse.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.

Thought question

Why is saving a life a Mitzva that overrides Shabos but if one does work on shabos he can be liable to a death penalty ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.

5 Guidelines

To work that may be permissable on Chol Hamoed :
- prevent a loss
- for needs of Moed
- for one who has no food
- for needs of the public
- if it does not require skilled labor.

See Mishna Berura 530.
For those who have vacation days coming to them , now is the time to schedule your time for Chol Hamoed.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.

Time to Gather

Moshe Rabeinu gathers all the Jews to teach them that there is a death penalty for anyone who does work on Shabos. This teaches us the supreme importance of shabos in that it guides us to know the purpose of life.
We work 6 days because that is what Hashem did , we then rest on shabos like He did.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.

Unique Mirrors

Rashi explains that the womens mirrors were the most beloved of all of the contributions to the Mishkon !!
Why is that & how can this lesson be applied in our lives ?
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.

Daf Hayomi

We are starting Mesechtas Moed Katan which deals with the laws of Chol Hamoed.
The sium comes out on the last day of Chol Hamoed Pesach.
Rambam holds that the prohibition of work on C. H. Is by law of the Sages
Tosfos holds it is a Torah law.
Ramban holds it is half & half.
Now may be a good time for a gem of Torah study.