Written by Rabbi Shmuel Gluck
The Akeida talks about the human urge to create and what people should do with that urge. He writes that since people weren't created to do nothing (rather to achieve), it is best to create in areas that are most worthwhile. He adds: when people aren't creating, they're as if they're dead since their "level" of living is based on the amount they create. Otherwise, the person is alive in name only.
Since our nature is to create, we should create things that matter, things that have true value. Therefore, Hashem tells Klal Yisroel, take that energy, the drive, and build a Mishkan.
The responsibility to create is not a religious one but is a responsibility shared by all people. A non-Jew has the responsibility to find a cure for cancer simply because it's in his DNA. As I often say, every individual strength creates an equal amount of responsibility.
Each person should find their strength and where it can have the greatest impact. Someone with a great voice can make people happy at weddings or he can do more, he can go to hospitals giving happiness to those who have very little of it. Even more, people are expected to combine their multiple strengths and increase their ability to create in areas that matter.
Because creating is in our DNA, everyone needs a project for them to be emotionally healthy. A lack of desire to create goes against human nature and if a person has no desire, it is a sign that there's something wrong with that person (possibly depression), That's why, at Areivim, one of the rules in our residences is to function for eight hours a day. It is also why I advise parents/mentors to make their children/mentees feel accomplished. So, own a project, create something great, and support your Neshama's emotional health.
