Parshas Vayakhel-P'kudei 5766

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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Moshe gathered the people to speak to them about the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). He also reiterated the laws of Shabbos to them and explained that although the Mishkan was important, Shabbos was even more important and could not be desecrated even for the purpose of constructing the Mishkan.

He instructed the Jewish people about the different materials and skills that would be needed for building the Mishkan. Although they had not been required to give anything, their response was overwhelming. Men and women quickly brought so much gold and expensive jewelry that there was a surplus of what was needed and Moshe had to stop them from bringing more. Likewise, the people offered their services in assisting in the construction of the Mishkan and its vessels. The enthusiasm was necessary to atone for the misplaced enthusiasm the people had shown when they brought their jewelry at the sin of the Golden Calf.

Betzalel, a grandson of Chur, oversaw the construction of the Mishkan. Chur, the Talmud explains, had stood up against the nation when they had first requested the Golden Calf. He had sharply rebuked them for failing to show the proper faith in Moshe and G-d. At the height of the rebellion the people murdered him. It was therefore quite appropriate that the construction of the Mishkan, which would atone for the Golden Calf, should take place under Chur’s grandson’s direction.

After the Mishkan was completed, Moshe was told to inaugurate the dedication. This was a seven-day ceremony in which Moshe would erect the Mishkan, perform the service, and then dismantle it each day. On the eighth day, the first day of Nissan, the Mishkan was erected permanently and Aharon would take over as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest).

The Rabbis relate that Moshe was unable to erect the heavy walls by himself. He asked G-d how it was possible to ask something of him that was physically impossible. G-d told Moshe that He only wanted him to put forth his best effort and that the Mishkan would then erect itself. This is alluded to in the passage that relates that “the Mishkan was erected” (Exod. 40:17)--not that Moshe erected it.

The implicit message in this is that G-d only expects man to put forth his best effort in trying to create a bastion of holiness for G-d’s Presence to reside. Once he tries his hardest, however, G-d Himself will complete the task for him.

“Everyone whose heart motivates him shall bring a gift for G-d.. .” (Ex. 35:5)

The commentators explain that the people’s intentions had to be sincere to take part in the Tabernacle’s construction. After a pogrom in Brisk where many people were killed, a rescue committee was formed, boasting many prominent individuals. A woman whose husband had been killed applied for assistance, but received no response. She appealed to the Rav to intervene.

He met with the committee and said to them, “Why is it that after such an incident such a committee is organized, while thousands of poor people in Poland and Russia have been long suffering? The answer is that the committee’s intent is not so much to assist the needy as it is to fight anti-Semitism by showing that Jews will not allow themselves to be driven out. That might be acceptable, but the sincere desire to help is missing. This widow did not receive help because the intentions were misguided.”

Did You Know...

When one sees a fruit tree in blossom, a special blessing is recited thanking G-d for creating the beautiful trees for man to enjoy. The blessing is usually recited in Nissan, but may be recited afterwards. It is only recited once a year, even if one sees several trees blossoming.

If the tree will not bear fruit, no blessing is recited. If one only sees leaves, or if the fruit has already begun to grow, no blessing is recited.

If one did not recite the blessing the first time he saw the blossoms, he may still recite it as long as the fruit has not yet grown.