The construction of the Mishkan
(‘Tabernacle’—i.e. Sanctuary), a place for G-D to reveal His presence amidst the
people of Israel, is described in minutest detail in Parashat Teruma.
For many it
would seem like an instruction manual and architectural plans for contractors...
The walls and coverings, the courtyard and the utensils are described, outlining
the measurements and the materials, as well as the crafts and artistic expertise
needed to bring the whole complex together into a House of the L-rd. For many it
would seem like an instruction manual and architectural plans for contractors,
not part and parcel of a holy book of G‑d’s instructions for life.
The lessons, however, are hinted at in each of the details of the plans. The
Kli Yakar explains that the 3 main utensils – the Ark, the Showbread Table
and the Altar all teach us important lessons for dealing with each other and
with life.
The measurements vary as follows. The Holy Ark that
housed the Tablets that Moshe brought down from Sinai, were all incomplete sums.
The length was 2-½ cubits; the width was 1-½ cubits as was its height as well.
In contrast, the Altar had complete measurements: 1 cubit by 1 cubit by 2
cubits. The third key vessel, the Table, had a mixture of complete and
incomplete measurements: 2 cubits length by 1 cubit width by 1- 1/2 cubits
height. What is the significance of these facts?
In spiritual matters, a person should always see oneself only
half-way there.
The Ark represents Torah learning, the Altar - spiritual perfection and the Table -
material success. In spiritual matters, a person should always see oneself only
half-way there. A person should not look back at those who are at a lower
spiritual level but rather at those who are higher achievers in Torah learning
and performance of mitzvahs. These thoughts will prompt a person to push for
more and more growth throughout life. One will never become self-satisfied and
settle into a spiritual rut. In contrast, in regard to the material world one
should look down at those who have less and gain from the vantage point a sense
of satisfaction with whatever one has. One should realize that one can never
fulfill all of one's physical desires - fulfillment will always be incomplete.
The Altar that represents service to the Al-mighty is the way to perfection.
These few hints at lessons for life are merely the tip of the iceberg. One who
studies the Mishkan and all of its details will learn what one needs to
measure up as a giant in the World to Come.
[Adapted from //torah.org]
Biographical note:
Rabbi Raymond Beyda teaches at the SLC Torah Center in
Brooklyn, NY. He is the author of "A Minute With Yourself".
Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim of Luntshits (1550-1619), a student of the Maharshal, is best known as the "Kli Yakar" ("Precious Vessel") after the title of his famous and beloved commentary on the Five Books of Moses. He served as the chief rabbi of the city of Lvov for 25 years, and then of Prague for the next 17, until his passing.
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