These parshios discuss the physical construction of the Tabernacle and the sacred initiation of the Temple service.
The Mishkan represents the stupifying concept that G-d allows resting a dimension of His presence in our physical world.
An important lesson can be drawn from the ‘necessity’ of this hallowed space: every Jew needs a Mishkan!
Indeed, every person needs to subscribe to the idea of Shi’visi, a reference to the verse, “I put Hashem always in front of me.” (Tehillim 16:8)
Let us develop this idea further.
We may ask the following question: How and why do we find some Jews who are truly great, noble, and holy - and others are not?
What differentiates an “Adom gadol” from a “Pashuta yid,” a simple Jew?
Answer: the exalted Jew lives a life of “Putting Hashem always in front of him.”
A great yid utilizes every waking moment in an attempt to develop a deep awareness of G-d and to live a life of practical, direct contact with the Shechinah in our midst.
So how can we too experience the phenomenon of Shi’visi?
How can we observe with our own eyes the Divine Presence in all its glory?
Answer: by building a Mishkan... or a Shul, or a Beis Medrash!
For it is in these hallowed halls we have the ability to literally see the Ribbono Shel Olam.
In these sacred spaces, we can sensorily experience and palatably detect ruchnius - to feel a tangible connection with the metaphysical and Divine.
Let us make every effort to fulfill the verse in Parshas Terumah which boldly states: “And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them!”
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