Parashat Pekudi: Becoming a Vessel for G-d’s Will
At the end of the Book of Exodus, we reach a very important point, the building of the Tabernacle. The Torah tells us something surprising: After all the experts had finished their work, they could not actually raise the components of the tabernacle. The Mishkan was too heavy and complex for ordinary human strength. Rashi explains that they brought the parts of the Mishkan to Moses, and he, in turn, asked Hashem how it could be erected. G-d answered him: “You show yourself as if you are raising it, and the Tabernacle will rise by itself.” Why couldn’t Moses erect the Mishkan by himself?
Hashem does not expect us to achieve the impossible on our own. He expects the “work of our hands” – our preparatory effort. As soon as we do the maximum that is incumbent upon us, the Creator does His own part. A limited person, of flesh and blood, cannot “force” the infinite to dwell within finite matter. Only divine blessing and faith together with human act can transform the tabernacle to a vessel for the Divine light.
This is a reminder that obedience to the Seven Commandments is a spiritual act that attracts infinite Divine light to physical life. The purpose of every person in the world is to create a dwelling place for Hashem. When a Noahide takes upon himself these commandments because the Creator commanded them, he brings his own human force and connects it with the power of Hashem. The story of the construction of the tabernacle serves as a roadmap for a Noahide as he builds his own “personal tabernacle” within his heart.
The entire world is experiencing the crisis caused by the war and the global tensions. This should strengthen our faith in G-d, as the final elevation of the creation is just around the corner. The Creator is not limited whatsoever. By His infinite grace, the entire lower world was created, however, even now there is nothing besides Him.
G-d promised in His Torah that He Himself would protect the Holy Land, the Land of Israel. Just as we see His promise fulfilled, so too will the promise given to the children of Noah be fulfilled. Observing the Seven Noahide Commandments is surely one of the things that can hasten the redemption and salvation to the entire world.
Source: Rashi on Exodus 39:33. Mishneh Torah, Laws of Kings 8:11. Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 16. Sefer HaSichos 1992, Parshat VaYigash.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the books:
Light Onto the Nation: A Guide to the Seven Noahide Laws
Light Onto the Torah Portions: Insights on the Torah Portions for Noahides 2 volumes.
Stories of Faith for Noahides: Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations.
Serving G-d with Joy: A Guide for Jews and Bnei Noah to Serving the Creator with Joy