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This week we read Parshas Vakhail and Pekudai. In Parshas Pekudai the Torah gives the calculations for all the gold, silver, and other materials that were used in constructing the Tabernacle – how much of each item was donated, and what specifically it was used for. “And the gold donated was 920 Kikar, and 730 shekalim”… (Exodus 38:24). The classic commentator the Sforno, notes that the amount of gold used in the Tabernacle was less than the amount used in constructing the first Temple. The amount used in constructing the first Temple was less than the amount used by Hurdos when he rebuilt the second Temple. Yet, the Tabernacle had the constant presence of Hashem in it at all times, while in the first Temple Hashem’s presence was not there as much, and in the second Temple it was not there at all. The Sforno explains that we see from here that it’s not the amount of gold or silver that we put into a building that brings Hashem’s presence there. Rather it’s the sincerity and closeness to Hashem felt by those who build it.
Unfortunately this lesson is so relevant and important in our times. How often is it that we see Synagogues that are magnificent edifices, built with millions of dollars, but are mere showrooms that house a social club? How often is it that these structures contain little or no relevance for someone seeking a relationship with Hashem? How often is it that the little simple building, which is built with sweat and tears of a few dedicated volunteers, houses a true house of worship for Hashem?
The lesson of this Sforno is very clear: If we want to create a place that will house Hashem’s presence, we have to focus on being His servants, on caring for His word, more than on the bricks and types of aesthetics that make up the building. As the prophet Isaiah says, “ Which house will you build for me, and which place will rest My presence?... To this I will look, to a poor person who is humble, but devoted to keep My words… (Isaiah 66:1).
Please enjoy this link from the Travelling Chassidim with a short message on the Torah Portion:
https://youtu.be/l-XgjxHuw-s
T
Rabbi Moshe Travitsky
Have a Great Shabbos!!!!!!
