Bihar-Bichukotai
In Sefer VaYikra, Parashat Behar, Perek 26, Pasuk 2, the Torah tells us "Et Shabtotai Tishmoru UMikdashi Tirau." The Torah tells us we have an obligation to keep Shabbat and also to fear the Mikdash. The Mikdash means the Bet HaMikdash and can also have applications to have fear and respect to the Mikdash Miat, to the miniature houses of Mikdash which are synagogues.
So some of the Rabbis comment on the connection between these two statements. They say to keep the Shabbat but at the same time you must respect the Mikdash. You must respect the synagogue.
We might say the Torah is hinting to us an improper custom that takes place in many synagogues on Shabbat. And that is that there is quite a lot of talking during the Tefilah and during Sefer Torah, and in between. And the Torah might be going out of its way by telling us "Et Shabtotai Tishmoru", that you have to keep the Shabbat, and that you have to go to Shul, however "UMikdashi Tirau", but do not desecrate the synagogue when you go to Shul on Shabbat by talking. This would be a desecration on the highest order.
Aside from the above, is the fact that our children are sitting with us in synagogue many times, and by talking we are exhibiting behavior that defies authority. We are standing in front of Bore Olam and we are talking. Our children see that we have no respect for authority, so we undermine our authority in the house. That can train Chas VeShalom the children to disrespect us. Just think if you were sitting in the presence of a CEO of a company or the President of The United States, what type of decorum we would have. What type of respect we would have. We wouldn’t even whisper so as not to interrupt them or not to show a lack of courtesy to such an important person. All the more so, when we are standing in front of the King of Kings, the Holy of Holies, we should be so extra careful not to disrespect the Mikdash and Bore Olam by talking in Shul. This is for all week long, but specifically on Shabbat when droves of people come to Shul. We have to be extra careful.
There is a Rabbi that is called The Tosfot Yom Tov, Rav Yom Tov Heller. He explained that the Jewish pogroms of ‘Tach VeTat’, came about because Jews were talking in synagogue. These pogroms took place in the 1600’s, where the Cossacks pillaged many Jewish communities and slaughtered them and burned synagogues and burned Sifre Torah. It was a terrible time those years for the Jewish people, and Rav Tosfot Yom Tov says that this came about because Jews were talking in synagogue. Imagine that! Such a sin it is to talk during the time of the Tefilah that the he held it brought Chas VeShalom the worse tragedies to the Jewish people.
So The Tosfot Yom Tov authored a special ‘Mi Sheberach’ that is said in many synagogues today, that blesses all those that refrain from talking during the Tefilah, that they should have children that are upright and healthy and prosper in this world and share in the next world. Who would be so foolish to want to forfeit such a Beracha of The Tosfot Yom Tov. If we would simply refrain from talking, it will affect our children for the good, and give us Parnasa and health. Therefore only a fool can say he’s not interested in such a blessing and it’s worth it for him to talk in the synagogue.
Therefore the Torah reminds us "Et Shabtotai Tishmoru", however at the same time its "UMikdashi Tirau", that still you must have fear and awe of the Mikdash.
Shabbat Shalom U’Mevorach.
