Judaism: The wise-hearted who built the Tabernacle
What characterized those who came to help build the Tabernacle?
Published: Friday, March 04, 2016 4:50 PM
The final Torah portions of the book of Exodus deal with the creating of the Mishkan, the tabernacle of G-d.
Moshe gathers together the people and relates the following in the Torah portion of Vaykhel;
And
Moses spoke to the entire community of the children of Israel, saying:
"This is the word that Hashem has commanded to say: Take from yourselves
an offering for Hashem; every generous hearted person shall bring it,
[namely] Hashem's offering: gold, silver, and copper.
Subsequently,
we read of the intricate and elaborate plans for the building of this
Tabernacle. The Mishkan or Tabernacle was to be the earthly abode or
expression of Hashem's glory.
One wonders, then, why a structure
that is so symbolic of Hashem’s presence need be constructed with such
intricate design and ornate furnishings? Could not a simple tent provide
a more appropriate metaphor for the Presence of Hashem?
This question is addressed by Rabi Yehuda Halevy in his monumental book the Kuzari;
Hashem
elucidated the details of the sacrificial laws and other laws – every
facet involving very detailed laws. The same attention to detail is
prevalent in all of nature. Each physical object is made up of a
combination of different elements, combined according to very exact
specifications. The proportions must be more precise than the mind could
imagine; even if the smallest error was made in the proportions of
these elements, the object would no longer exist as it is. The plant,
animal, or limb in question would be defective or would not exist at
all.... Similarly the Shulchan, Menorah, Aron, Courtyard, Pillars,
Covers and all procedures, were shown to Moshe and required intricate
specifications. (Kuzari 1:99)
The Mishkan, in essence, represents the ultimate purpose of this natural world. The Mishkan represents
what the world we live in needs to be acknowledged as being. For it is
the world that is the ultimate vessel of Hashem's Glory.(Shmot Rabbah 12:13.) As King David proclaimed: Let His glory fill all the earth, Amen and Amen! (Psalm 72:19) Therefore, just as all of our perceived reality is a function of intricate and sometimes ornate details so must the Mishkan be.
That being so then we must understand how can such a structure can in fact be created.
We read a verse in the Torah portion that seems to repeat a concept unnecessarily:
Every man whose heart uplifted him came, and everyone whose spirit inspired him to generosity brought the offering of Hashem for the work of the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the holy garments.(verse 21)
The
terms "whose heart uplifted him came" and "everyone whose spirit
inspired him to generosity brought” seem to be relating the same
thought.
The Ramban in explaining this, understands the term "whose heart uplifted him came" as
relating not to those who brought donations but rather to those who
stepped up to offer their services to actually create the
Mishkan. Ramban then asks There was no one among them (the people)
who learned these skills from a teacher. They received no formal
training. Rather, they found within themselves (their nature) that they
could perform these tasks and they came before Moshe and said, ‘We will
do whatever the master requires’.
These were
not artisans who left Egypt after generations of slavery. These were not
embroiderers and wood-crafting artists, but slaves who had carried
heavy burdens and chiseled gigantic stones.
Yet
when they heard the call, they came. They simply were moved to do
whatever Hashem puts before them and were convinced in their faith and
faithfulness that whatever talents were needed could be acquired or
developed out of a deep and spiritual instinct.
They were ready to be lifted by their spiritually elevated hearts; To all the wise hearted have I given wisdom (Exodus 36:2). King Solomon writes of such wise hearted people that the wise of heart will receive commands, But a babbling fool will be ruined. (Proverbs 10:8).
Therein lies the secret. There is a Divine whisper in every one of our hearts. That whisper motivating our Neshama ( soul) was introduced into our hearts by the Neshima (
breath) of our creation. When we attune our ears to hear it , then
everything becomes possible . Even building a resting place for Hashem’s
Presence in the wilderness and subsequently in our own hearts.
LeRefuat Yehudit bat Golda Yocheved
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