Rashi explains that Moshe was unable to construct the Menorah. Hashem showed him a Heavenly vision of a Menorah of fire. Moshe was still unable to build the Menorah. Hashem then told him to cast the mass of gold into the fire and give it one blow with the hammer. A finished Menorah would emerge. Moshe did as he was told, and the Menorah miraculously emerged from the fire. We must endeavor to understand why Moshe was shown the Menorah if he would not be able to recreate the design. He was still unable to grasp its fabrication. The Sefas Emes infers a valuable lesson in avodas Hashem, serving the Almighty. A person should know that he cannot possibly fulfill everything that is demanded of him. Yet, he must make the extreme effort to satisfy Hashem’s demand to the fullest of his capabilities. Hashem will accomplish the remainder. Hashem knew that Moshe would not be able to make the Menorah for a number of reasons. Without Divine assistance, attempting to construct the Menorah would be futile. Hashem wanted Moshe to do his utmost, to demonstrate his uncompromising ratzon, will, to create the Menorah. Once Moshe saw the Heavenly vision of the Menorah, he developed that will. Hashem assisted him at this point so that his will would achieve fruition.
The Sefas Emes adds that even after Moshe formed the Menorah, he attributed its creation to the Almighty. He realized it was a gift from Heaven. He perceived his good fortune in being able to have a small part in the creation of the Menorah. We learn two lessons from the Sefas Emes. First, everything is initiated through one’s ratzon. One who has the will and the drive to accomplish, one who does not defer to his feelings of inadequacy and depression, but proceeds, will succeed. If one starts, Hashem will help him finish. Second, we learn that whatever success we enjoy is only the result of Hashem’s assistance. Nothing can be achieved to perfection without Divine assistance. Moshe Rabbeinu, the quintessential teacher of Klal Yisrael, was perplexed by the Menorah. Even after Hashem showed him a Heavenly image of it, he could not fashion it. He needed Hashem. How much more so do we?!
