By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
SAN DIEGO — The grand finale of Exodus is here, and it’s epic! Buckle up for Pekudei, a story bursting with completion, celebration, and the Divine presence. Imagine the excitement: the Israelites, led by Moses, have just built the Mishkan. This parasha dives into the final touches: the dazzling priestly garments, the meticulous assembly of the whole shebang, and then… BAM! The glory of Hashem descends, filling the Mishkan with a radiant light show. Talk about a housewarming party!
But Pekudei isn’t just about flashy effects. It’s a reminder that big things are accomplished through dedication, teamwork, and following the ultimate blueprint. The Israelites, following Hashem’s instructions to the tee, turned their vision into reality, creating a space for connection and holiness.
So, a recent study of over 50,000 respondents across 71 countries caught my eye. How can the finding of this just released study, that Americans are more miserable in terms of mood, outlook on life, and self-esteem than people in Zimbabwe, El Salvador and Armenia, possibly occur when we have Pekudei to inspire and uplift us? Are we not paying attention to the Torah? Imagine that. Perhaps if we did, our own personal Divine spark of inspiration might glow. I don’t know about you, but that’s a whole lot of unhappiness, depression, anxiety, rage, that this week’s parasha, Pekudei, draws a pretty straight line towards eliminating. We don’t need “Dr. Google” to tell us about happiness, when we learn from the entirety of communal purpose and focus on building of the Mishkan, how to derive deep happiness.
The parasha hints at something quite illuminating. While we built the Mishkan, the process of doing so, the unity we experienced, our undistracted singular focus and purpose, our following Hashem’s plan, actually built us, says the Malbim. By building something, the builder changes.
The parasha tells us, V’hinei asu otah ka-asher tzivah Hashem cayn aso, v’yvarech otam Moshe, “And it was done as Hashem commanded, so it was done, and Moses blessed them.” What was the blessing Moshe gave to us? The sages tell us the blessing was “May it be Hashem’s will that His presence rests in the work of your hands.” The work of our hands? That was the building of the Mishkan! Doing Hashem’s work, building His Mishkan single-mindedly, that’s the derivative of the blessing of happiness.
No, not a new car, fancy clothing, a shiny new diamond or gold bracelet, but focusing on and adhering to Hashem’s ultimate plan for our lives, ish l’reyeyhu, connected to each other with kavod and with open hearts…this is what merits true tzahalah v’samecha, as we’ll soon read from the City of Shushan, authentic, meaningful and genuine happiness.
Our spirits become entangled in the illusions of the physical world, clouding our vision of the Divine plan set forth by Hashem. We mistakenly seek validation from others, craving to be adored for our earthly actions, instead of finding fulfillment in our sacred connection to Hashem. Yet, true contentment arises not from external approval, but from cultivating a deep reverence for the sacred spark within us – the inextinguishable flame that illuminates our path when we surrender our egos to the radiant light of the Infinite. By releasing the misguided belief that we require the admiration of others, we realign with the profound truth that our worthiness emanates from the loving embrace of the Creator, whose boundless grace empowers us to walk in humble self-respect, with our spirits uplifted.
Yalkut Eliezer teaches that as Jews, each of us carries a sacred inner presence within ourselves. During positive times when things are going well, we wisely feel grateful, while remembering that our blessings are precious gifts. However, during difficult, darker periods, we wisely do not lose hope – for there is an inner spark that can reignite our lives in an instant with new light and possibility. This is the journey we all undertake: emerging from periods of darkness and rediscovering the light within us. As it is written, “We are a light unto the nations.” We would be wise to keep this truth alive in our consciousness – that we each have an innate luminous quality to share with the world around us, no matter the circumstances. Our identity is tied to being beacons who can bring more awareness to others.
This week’s sacred Torah reading illuminates the meticulous detailing of every material utilized in consecrating the hallowed space of the Mishkan, underscoring the profound importance of precision and devotion when undertaking divine tasks. The unified collaboration amongst the Children of Israel in completing this monumental endeavor stands as a radiant reminder of the immense power found in working together towards a shared transcendent purpose. Pekudei beckons us to recognize that through diligent spiritual work, steadfast faith, and sublime unity, which are our internal strengths, we can achieve exalted heights and manifest sanctuaries where the Divine Presence may dwell amidst us. It serves as a luminous testimony to the transformative potential of community, devotion, and faith in birthing creations of resplendent magnificence.
The Malbim [Meir Leibush ben Yehiel Michel Wisser] offers a penetrating insight. When one erects an edifice, the landscape is reshaped, but is the person transformed? Moses’ transcendent blessing was that through the sacred process of building in strict accordance with Hashem’s call, advancing in unified purpose as one unbroken circle, the Jewish people had undergone a total metamorphosis. Therefore, all our future labors would be graced by the Infinite Presence.
In 1948, a miraculous event occurred – Hashem granted us the opportunity to tangibly manifest redemption. For years, our State has continued flourishing. We now stand in a position unparalleled for our people. However, we must recognize that the full construction of the Mishkan, the complete realization of redemption, can only transpire when we unite as one people. We must stand together, setting aside all petty disagreements. The greater good of our Nation, our homeland, transcends all else. Yet we must understand that the goal remains unattainable until we become selfless, until we place the Divine at our shared center. That is the true solution; there is no other path. We must strive for peace with all, but first we must make peace within ourselves.
Only through the sacred labor of transcending our individualistic tendencies can we construct an eternal Mishkan, a sanctified dwelling for Hashem to permeate our world. The redemption is before us – the choice to ascend as one people awaits our embrace. Let us answer this call with courage, compassion, and genuine faith.
May this parasha shine as a guiding beacon, inspiring us to ever strive for excellence, unity, and spiritual elevation in all our sacred undertakings.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun. He may be contacted via michael.mantell@sdjewishworld.com