TERUMAH: QUEST FOR (IM)PERFECTION
Let them make me a Sanctuary that I may dwell among them - מִקְדָּ֑שׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֖י
In Parshas Terumah, the Torah alternates between the word Mikdash and Mishkan. Why is this so?
Mikdash suggests permanence and stability yet the word Mishkan intones something makeshift. Obviously, these are seemingly contradictory terms.
So what is it? Is the house of Hashem a Mikdash or Mishkan?
The answer is both. The two terms have equal value and this explanation teaches us an enormous life lesson as well: In Judaism there is no concept of, “I made it!”
The fluctuating themes of Mikdash and Mishkan, permanent vs. temporary, create a tense dynamic which also reflects the very existence of humanity.
The alternating realities of the Beis Hamikdash demonstrate the changing tekufos, cycles, of both His house and ourselves.
The idea that “I am perfect,” and we are mushlamim, complete and finished human beings, is an antithesis to Torah teachings and values.
Perfection is an illusion as even our existential survival is fleeting and temporary - there are no guarantees in this world.
Indeed, the Talmud teaches that people are judged daily, even hourly. This suggests there is a tension and inherent anxiety in our continued survival.
This is why we make a bracha (in the morning preparatory prayers) thanking G-d, “Who restores souls to dead bodies.” Because there are no guarantees in life!
Developing this idea further, the tefilah of ‘restoration of souls’ suggests there is a new world created every day. This is renewal to the nth degree!
There is technically no continuity from one day to the next and the world we inhabit and experience today is only the latest and most immediate handiwork of G-d, shaped directly and wholly from tohu v’vohu, the primordial chaos - which existed only yesterday!
If we were to compare yesterday’s shapeless void of creation to the first chapter of a book, then today represents chapter two - a new beginning with unlimited potential and purpose. This newest chapter is both unrelated and incomparable to the previous one.
The message of the Mikdash vs. Mishkan is one of hope and renewal. We are imperfect but we must strive for shleimus, perfection!
Despite even formidable spiritual accomplishments, we must acknowledge both our shortcomings and tenuous existence and then develop a deep desire to grow and do more - every single day!
