G-d instructed Moshe about the construction of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. The Mishkan provided an opportunity for the people to create a dwelling place for G-d’s presence to rest amongst them. The commentaries point out that prior to the sin of the Golden Calf this would not have been necessary, as the people themselves would be a repository for His presence. Only after the sin did they have to build a dwelling place for G-d’s presence.
The voluntary donation of materials for the Mishkan also served as atonement for the donations of gold that were used to build the Golden Calf.
The Mishkan was designed to be easily assembled and disassembled in order for it to remain portable. The Mishkan accompanied the Jews for over five hundred years, from the forty years in the desert until King Solomon built the First Temple in Jerusalem.
Materials were collected for the various vessels needed in the Mishkan. The Ark, or Aron, was made of wood, covered on the outside and inside with gold. It was placed in the Holy of Holies, the innermost section of the Mishkan. The Torah and the tablets of the Ten Commandments were kept in the Ark.
A wooden shulchan, or table, covered with gold, held twelve specially shaped breads. These breads remained on the table throughout the week, and were changed each Shabbos. An elaborate Menorah was carved of pure gold. The Menorah was kindled each night and remained lit until morning. Two mizbeichos, or altars, were also built. One outside the Mishkan was made of wood and covered with copper. This was used to offer sacrifices. Another one, inside the Mishkan, was made of wood and covered with gold, was used to burn incense. A copper basin, the kiyor, was needed for the kohanim to wash their hands and feet before their service.
Each one of these vessels also represented some element of G-d’s relationship with the Jewish people in particular, and the world in general. The Aron represented Torah, the Shulchan represented material success, and so on. By donating the materials, and building all the vessels needed for the Mishkan, the people would ensure G-d’s continued influence.
“…They shall make an Ark of acacia wood... and you shall cover it with pure gold, from within and without…” (Ex. 25:10, 11)
The Ark containing the Torah represents the student of Torah. The Ark is not made of pure gold, but rather of wood and then covered with gold. This teaches us that Torah is not exclusively reserved for those who were born gifted, as long as the student is willing to immerse himself in Torah, both within and without. When Rav Shlomo Wolbe started his yeshiva, he asked the Chazon Ish to recommend good boys to the yeshiva. The Chazon Ish responded that good boys do not need a yeshiva; they can thrive in their studies on their own. The purpose of a yeshiva is to take plain boys and transform them into good boys.
Did You Know...
A synagogue is considered to be a microcosm of the Mishkan, and must be treated with reverence. It is prohibited to talk about mundane matters in the sanctuary. One should not take a shortcut through the synagogue sanctuary, as it shows a lack of respect. If the only way to reach the other side is through the sanctuary it is permitted. If one needs to pass through the sanctuary, he may sit for a moment and recite a couple of Torah passages first. It is also improper to turn one’s back to the Ark when leaving the synagogue. One should first face the Ark, bow slightly, and only then turn to exit. This custom is also prevalent upon leaving the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
