In this week's Torah portion, Vayakhel, the Jewish people build the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for Hashem to dwell amongst the Jewish people. The Mishkan was a place where the Divine Presence would rest. It was built with the utmost precision, care, and love by the Jewish people.
What does this mean for us today, in our modern world? How can we, as individuals, build a home for Hashem in our own lives? Just as the Mishkan was built with specific materials and measurements, we too have been given specific gifts and talents to use in our service of Hashem.
The Chassidic masters teach us that every mitzvah, every good deed, has the power to bring Hashem's presence into the world. When we use our talents to perform mitzvot, we are, in essence, building a Home for Hashem.
For some, this may mean using their artistic talents to create beautiful and inspiring Jewish art. For others, it may mean using their musical abilities to compose and perform uplifting Jewish music. Still, others may use their writing skills to produce insightful and thought-provoking Jewish literature. Whatever we do, it should be in line with creating a home for Hashem in the way that He tells us to.
No matter what our talents are, we all have the ability to use them to serve Hashem and bring His presence into the world. It's not just about the final product. As it is written in Proverbs: Know Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:6), using our skills and abilities to their fullest potential in the service of Hashem is just as important as the end result. When we invest our time, energy, and creativity into building a Tabernacle for Hashem, we are demonstrating our love and commitment to Him. Additionally, we also become the best versions of ourselves, fulfilling our purpose and potential as Jews and as human beings.
So let’s build a home for Hashem by getting our own behavior to house G-dliness. Doing so will G-d willing bring the ultimate redemption when we will have the final Bais Hamikdash, a physical structure built for Hashem.
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman