In this week’s Parsha, Vayakhel, we read that both men and women donated for the construction of the Mishkan. Both men and women participated in its construction. It didn’t matter if they were rich or poor, it didn’t matter which tribe they were from. Each gave according to their ability, and each participated with their talents, that Hashem gave them.
They were careful to do everything the way Hashem wanted them to, down to the smallest detail.
In the end, Hashem’s presence filled the Mishkan, dwelling amongst them once again.
After two hundred and ten years of exile in Egypt, eighty-seven of which were fraught with terrible suffering and slavery. It must have been so satisfying, and so exciting, to see the Shechina fill the Mishkan.
What lessons can we learn from this?
We are here for a reason, to fashion this world into a dwelling place for Hashem.
Every one of us is necessary to ensure success. We are all different. We have different means, different talents, and different circumstances. We know we can do it, because we’ve done it once before, albeit on a smaller scale. The main thing is that we work together and that we do it right. Small details matter. As in every project, it is not complete, until each does their part, and until the finishing touches have been done.
How about us, haven’t we suffered enough? Haven’t we done enough? Has the exile not been long enough? Hasn’t the time come, for all this anguish to end?
It is true that the expression of Hashem’s presence we will experience at the time of Moshiach will be based on our exile experience and our effort to accomplish Hashem’s will.
Perhaps Hashem is holding out for just a bit longer because He wants something more, something deeper, that He knows we can attain. Imagine how amazing it will be when Moshiach will come.
Nevertheless, we need Moshiach to come already. Hashem, please send him, and end the suffering. The time has come.
