The last thing Moshe did in completing the Mishkan was “erected the courtyard.” One cannot “erect” a courtyard. Rather, by putting up boundaries, the courtyard is created. This syntax teaches us that by establishing boundaries, we elevate what is inside of them.
When we set limits to the things we will do or not do, we can elevate ourselves. This is the role of Torah in our lives, teaching us where to draw the line.
At the end of Vayakhel, commenting on a similar verse (38:9), Rabbeinu Bachya expounds on the greatness of studying the Torah about the Mishkan and korbanos though we don’t have a Bais HaMikdash. Chazal say that by doing so it’s as if we’ve brought those offerings.
He ends by saying that in this merit, we will return the Shechina to our midst.
The Gemara in Megilla (16a) says that when Haman came to parade Mordechai on the horse, as the king decreed, Mordechai was teaching his students the laws of kamitza for the mincha offering. When Haman asked what they were learning, they said, “When the Bais HaMikdash will be rebuilt, one who wishes to bring a korban will have to bring flour along with it to atone.”
Haman ruefully replied, “Your fistful of flour has pushed away my 10,000 talents of silver.”
By studying the laws of the Bais HaMikdash even when it wasn’t extant, Mordechai hastened the salvation of Purim and the rebuilding of the Bais HaMikdash in their times.
Thought of the week:
When we pray, we are speaking to G-d. When we learn Torah, He is speaking to us.
- R’ Mordecai Gifter
