A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Vayakheil Pikudei
Mirror Worlds
As we conclude sefer Shmos we are provided with a full accounting of the donations to the Mishkan. Moshe Rabbeinu answers the call of his critics who wondered whether or not he was truly an honest leader. A full accounting is provided. It is interesting to note that Moshe Rabbeinu’s din v’cheshbon vis-a-vis the funds contributed to the Mishkan provide the backdrop of the actual hakomas hamishkan for the very first time. We are being taught that in order for the Mishkan to be a repository for the Shechina, we must be willing to accept accountability. Chazal, however, draw another wonderful yesod from this context.
The Posuk (40:18) declares, “vayakem Moshe es hamishkan,” Moshe Rabbeinu erected the Mishkan. The Baal Haturim wonders why the word HaMishkan is presented with the hey hayideah? He quotes the psikta which teaches that the letter hey of Hamishkan is coming to include the Mikdash shel Ma’alah. We are being taught that at that same moment that Moshe Rabbeinu erected the Mishkan in this world, Hashem Yisborach commanded the malachim to build the Mishkan Shel Ma’alah. Our efforts in this world are rewarded middah kineged middah in the olam ha’emes. What we build down below is established in a mirror universe on high.
Indeed, the Mishkan Shel Ma’alah is a reflection of our efforts on this world. Klal Yisrael’s collective efforts, devotion and commitment are rewarded not just for us to enjoy in olam hazah, rather they create a reality in the Olam haElyon, as well. This is not only true of the construction of the Mishkan; it relates to the mitzios for each and every mitzvah we perform. And there is more. The Psikta a few verses earlier (39:33) expounds on the words vayavi’ooh es hamishkan, they delivered the Mishkan. It states that the hey hayideah in that verse has an additional ribui. According to the Psikta it is to include brias shamayim vaaretz! The powerful message is clear. What we do on this world creates the reality we enjoy on Heaven and earth. Do well and mitzvah goreres mitzvah – we are rewarded with opportunities for more mitzvos with which to earn the schar of Olam Habah as we spread ruchniyus in this world. Of course, r”l, the opposite is also true. Vayaveuh es Hamishkan: our personal olam habah is the reflection of the spiritual accomplishments we deliver to the Kisay haKavod following our sojourn in this ephemeral world. We define our world then as well as now.
As we conclude sefer Shmos there is no more important lesson. The creation of these two worlds is in our hands. The backdrop of accountability is now clear. The kiyum of our world and the structure of the olmei olamim is our opportunity and responsibility. What we do matters. It is up to us to build well in this world so that the Ribbono Shel Olam will build for us our personal and communal mikdash of splendor in the world to come. Where we arrive, b’chol maasehem – in all of our journeys, in this world and the next, is ultimately the product of the mitzvos and maasim tovim we do each day.
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