The Torah describes in detail the exact location of Har Gerizim. The Torah leaves no room for error, designating the simplest and most direct course to the mountain of blessing. In contrast, in regard to the Bais Ha’Mikdash, the Torah offers no “directions.” The Torah demands that we “seek it out.” We are to search for the Bais Ha’Mikdash. No map, no “trip tik” eases our search. Search and you will find -but no directions are offered. Why? Would it not make sense that the Bais Ha’Mikdash, the spiritual center of our People, the holy place where the Shechinah reposes, would be easy to access?
Horav Baruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Shlita, infers a profound lesson. One must search with great exertion for the Makom Ha’Shechinah, the Bais Ha’Mikdash, or its present day counterpart – the spiritual centers from which Torah emanates. Furthermore, this struggle is an integral part of the actual mitzvah. “L’shicno sidreshu,” is an essential component in one’s spiritual growth. We must strive for kedushah, pursuing every avenue to enhance our spiritual dimension.
On the other hand, in His beneficence, Hashem grants blessing to those who deserve it, wherever they may be. Blessing is Hashem’s reward for our performance of mitzvos. It will seek us out. We must, however, create the Bais Ha’Mikdash through toil and perseverance.
When Avraham went with Yitzchak to the akeidah, they were not initially aware of their destination. Hashem told him, “On one of the mountains which I will tell you” (Bereishis 24:2). Even for the akeidah, the actual searching for the place was part of the service and part of the nisayon, trial.
Horav Ezrachi makes a noteworthy observation. In the Talmud Kiddushin 2b, Chazal analogize man’s seeking a mate to one who searches for his lost article. The underlying purpose in marriage is the creation of a place for the Shechinah. When husband and wife live together in harmony, the Shechinah settles among them. Searching for a mate is an essential component of the marriage process. It is a spiritual endeavor which creates a place for the Shechinah to repose.
