By Rabbi Dovid Markel
This week’s parsha discusses the commandment and the instructions regarding constructing the Mishkan for G-d in the desert. The verse (Shemos 25:8) states: “And they shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst.”
When G-d desired that man create a dwelling place for Him, it was not merely to form a physical edifice, but as the verse states, “and I will dwell in their midst.” The meaning of this is, as explained constantly in chassidic thought (Likutei Torah, Nasso 20b), that G-d wished to reside in the heart of man.
Creating a temple for G-d in the heart of man though, seems to be an incredibly daunting task! How is it possible for an individual to consecrate their entire existence to G-d?
The Torah preempts this question with its statement (Shemos 25:2), “Speak to the children of Israel, and have them take for Me an offering.” G-d did not ask that man give all of his possessions in creating this sanctuary, but rather a contribution from the good of his heart.
By man giving an offering to G-d from on his own volition, he re-shifts his priorities. This in turn influences the rest of his identity as well, enabling him to become entirely permeated with G-dliness.
This is a lesson of utmost importance to our personal lives. All too often, we have an “all or nothing” approach to our relationship with G-d. We feel that if we are not giving G-d our all, our entire relationship with Him is somewhat hypocritical.
It is this erroneous notion that our Torah portion negates. While G-d eventually wants us to be completely infused with holiness, the path to accomplishing that objective is through a small donation.
When we set aside a portion of our earnings to charity, we are expressing the recognition that all of our money comes from Him. When we set aside a moment of our day for prayer and Torah study, we are articulating the desire that our hearts and minds be full of deep appreciation for the Divine.
Eventually, if we continue on this path, our very selves will be a bastion for the Divine Presence. May the definitive expression of this be with the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our times!
