The Torah describes, in Parashiot Teruma and Tetzvah, the building of the Mishkan and all the utensils, followed by the laws of Shabbat.
In Parashat Vayakel Pekudi the Torah reviews the process and begins with the laws of Shabbat, followed by the building of the Mishkan with all the utensils. The Bait Halevi presents a question; why the change in order?
The Bais Halevi gives a parable of a rich man that is marrying off his son. There are many things that are necessary to be purchased, from simple bath towels to expensive jewelry. All is required to start a new home. Every father feels obligated to supply his child with all that he needs when he marries him off though what he purchases first is an indicator of his love for his child. The father that loves his child and has a close relationship with him/her will buy first the expensive luxury items in his joy and anticipation during this time.
For example, he will run out and purchase jewelry that his son may give his kallah as gifts. Or, he may purchase a luxurious wedding gown for his daughter on her special day. Of course, he will purchase the food for the wedding and arrange for the Rabbi to come and officiate but he is more excited and expresses his love through the extravagances. A father that is not so close and loving to his child will first get the necessities for his son to make sure his duty is done. Later, if he has money left over, he will purchase the luxuries.
The Bais Halevy explains, the Mishkan represents the luxuries in our relationship with Hashem, and Shabbat the necessities. When a person wishes to obtain a higher level of Kedusha he needs the Mishkan. But Shabbat is what makes us into a Jew; it’s a constant part of our lives. What would we be without Shabbat? Hashem illustrated to us his love and excitement on the onset by building the Mishkan first. Later, when the Torah reviews all the laws, we can revert back to the order of Shabbat first because we have already felt Hashem’s love and desire for a relationship with us.
Rashi quoting a Mechilta states at the beginning of Parshat Vayakel, that the reason why the laws of Shabbat precede the building of the Mishkan is to teach us and warn us that we cannot violate the Shabbat while building the Mishkan.
What is fascinating to note, based on the lesson of the Bais Halevy, is that the greater Kedusha is the Mishkan. Yet although the Mishkan may be able to take us to a higher level, we are still not permitted to violate Shabbat. There are times that we try to make a calculation on how to get ahead in Kedusha and we try to justify a little violation because it’s for the sake of spiritual growth. The Parsha is teaching a lesson that we cannot compromise a spiritual reality for the sake of spiritual advancement. For example, there are those who speak terrible Lashon Harah about an establishment and destroy a person’s reputation because they presume a Hashgacha is not on their highest standards and wish to be more pious.
May we all be zoche to true spiritual growth without compromising any midot tovot or ma’asim tovim. Amen
