Each of the Jewish people’s journeys and encampments in the desert was by Divine bidding. When it was time to travel, the miraculous cloud that covered the Mishkan would depart, at which point the Jews would travel, the cloud leading the way.
“And in the place where the cloud came to rest, there the Jewish people encamped. At the commandment of G-d the Jewish people journeyed, and at the commandment of G-d they encamped” (Beha’alotcha 9:17-18).
Some of their encampments lasted for a year or more, but in some locations their stay was only one night, or a day or two.
Assembling and Dismantling
Upon their arrival at each location, the Levi’im would reassemble the entire Mishkan, and then dismantle it when the cloud indicated that it was time to go.
Since, “at G-d’s bidding they would encamp, and at G-d’s bidding they would travel” (Beha’alotcha 9:23), there was obviously a G-dly reason to assemble the Mishkan in that particular place at that particular time.
And since G-d and His will transcend time and space, the importance of any particular encampment was not determined by the length of time spent there.
The Mishkan was therefore assembled in each location where they camped, regardless of how long or short their stay would be.
Our Journey in Life
As Jews, we know that our every step is determined by G-d’s providence, (and not only in the desert, where it was plain to see).
Recognizing that our journeys in life are planned by G-d, Who transcends time and space, we must “create a Mishkan” within every situation, for however long G-d determines that moment will last.
Whether a circumstance seems long-term or only temporary, it is an opportunity to unite with the infinite G-d and His infinite will in a union that transcends all time and space.
From the teachings of the Rebbe, Likutei Sichot, vol. 2, p. 687.
“Kindling the Lights” & “Not Just a Stopover” reprinted from Ohr HaChassidus.
