By Shalom Olensky
This week in the Torah:
The Commandment to build a Sanctuary for G-d. Detailed instructions are given of the materials to be used, as well as its architecture. “Make for Me a Mishkan (Dwelling) and I will dwell in your midst,” says G-d.
The walls of the inner sanctum were to be made of a type of wood called Shitim (Cedar or Acacia etc., – opinions differ). Shitim is a Hebrew name whose root definition is “deviating from a straight path.”
Our Sages:
G-d says, “Make for me a Mishkan and I will dwell in your midst”: Not in its midst but in your midst, i.e., within each and every one of you.
Question:
What could Shitim wood, spiritual deviance, possibly signify by its use in the construction of a Sanctuary for G-d in the heart of each and every person?
Preface:
- G-d’s desire for a dwelling is that it be in the lowest realms.
- Indeed, in the heart of man there are actually two conflicting forces (souls) – one, animalistic and one, Divine.
- The animalistic soul of man naturally gravitates to deviance of an undesirable kind. Man’s Divine spark is naturally drawn to Divine service.
- Divine service implies, also, deviating from the straight path; that is, higher than rationale.
Explanation:
G-dliness, in its genuine form is completely above rationale. For, it is no wonder that any given creation cannot grasp the “Mind” of its Creator. Behavior that opposes G-d’s wishes is irrational, for common sense understands virtue as behaving in consonance with G-d’s wishes.
Answer:
Hence, “Shitim” – the non-rational – when transformed from irrational behavior, counter to G-d’s wishes, into supra-rational commitment to G-d’s wishes, becomes the perfect material to create a dwelling for G-d in one’s heart; where the formerly, unwelcoming space, a potential drive for the undesirable, has been transformed into a “welcoming home” for G-d.
Practical Suggestion:
Add light by studying and observing the Torah, and especially the heartwarming, mind-illuminating, soul-quenching teachings of Chassidism. Even a little light automatically banishes much darkness.
(Based on Chassidic Discourse Basi Legani – 5710)
