The Call to Build the Mishkan
This week’s Torah reading continues with the project of the building of the Mishkan (the Tabernacle – center of worship). Moses gathers the Jewish nation in the desert and announces God’s command to assemble the Mishkan and all its vessels. The Torah then describes the reaction of the Jews as follows (Shemot 35:21): “And every person whose heart lifted him, came forward, and all whose spirit resolved to do so, brought forth their contribution that was needed for the Mishkan, for all its functions and for the holy garments.”
A Unique Expression of Readiness
The expression used here to describe those who came forth as, “those whose heart lifted them,” deserves further clarification. The Ramban explains that the unique term used here is referring to a specific response that was called for, due to the circumstances. The Jews in the desert who were summoned for the Mishkan project were the same people who not long before were slaves in Egypt. The Jews in Egypt were enslaved for over two hundred years and were used to hard labor of a coarse nature, such as dealing with mortar and bricks.
From Slavery to Skilled Artisans
The construction of the Mishkan and its vessels required fine skills for the delicate and artistic tasks involved. The Mishkan was a complex structure made of a combination of wood and various precious metals, and required exact measurements. So too, the vessels and curtains had to be made in a special manner and had to be in a specific form. However, no one amongst them had any experience or education in the fields necessary for this project.
Rising to the Challenge Without Experience
How was it then that the Jews in the desert were able to take on such a highly skilled undertaking without the necessary background? In truth, the people could have held up their hands innocently and said, “Sorry Moses, this is not for us. We lack the knowledge and experience that are prerequisites for such an endeavor.” Instead, the Jewish people embraced the opportunity, rising to the challenge, and despite knowing their shortcomings, they committed themselves with determination to accomplish these tasks.
This is why the verse says that the people who accomplished this were the people whose “heart had lifted them.” The people understood that if this command is being given to them by God, it must be that God knows that they have these abilities within them. These people rose to the challenge and “had their hearts lift them,” in determination to undertake what was called for. By doing so, they found within themselves the ability to complete this great task.
Rabbi Yeruchum Levovitz (in Da’at Torah) tells us that the Torah is revealing to us here the key to success in life. There is no easy way to success. If we want to get anywhere in life, we must train ourselves to “have our hearts lift us up,” and turn ourselves into achievers, ready to undertake the challenges.
When Inspiration Knocks
Throughout life, ideas of various good endeavors enter our minds. Yet, very often, we don’t entertain the thought that we should be the ones to tackle them. Sometimes we do think of doing something, but then we get cold feet and the thought stops there. If we want to get places in life, when we encounter these situations we must bring out our innermost energy and confidence and proclaim with determination that “We can and we will do it!” This is what will drive us to success and real accomplishments in our lives.
The Story of a Doer
Rabbi Moshe Sherer stood at the helm of the Agudath Israel of America for many years (an organization dedicated to protecting Jewish values and helping the needs of all Jews). He was the prime example of a doer. Rabbi Sherer initiated and oversaw many projects from which we all continue to benefit. One time, a visitor came to him and said about a certain matter, “We should get somebody to do this.” Rabbi Sherer then escorted the fellow to the area of the copy machine where he had posted the saga of four brothers named Somebody, Anybody, Everybody and Nobody: Everybody said, “We should get Somebody to do it.” Somebody said, “Anybody can do it.” In the end, Nobody did it…
Personal Greatness Awaits. Rise to the Challenge!
No one wants to be mediocre; we all want to achieve personal greatness. Opportunities for greatness could be in the form of a life-changing decision, a chance to serve the public, a character trait we would like to improve, or even a small deed that’s out of our comfort zone. There is so much greatness we can truly achieve, and the only way to do so is by becoming a doer.
Instead of becoming insecure and hesitant at these times, we must gear up our energy to believe in ourselves, be ready to face challenges, and undertake whatever it may be. To summarize this idea I would say, “If you see something, do something!” Because rising to the challenge is the key to success.
By Rabbi Yitzchok Aryeh Strimber torah4every1@gmail.com
