The parsha concludes with the final account of the erection of the Mishkan. It mandates the precise placement of the Shulchan, table, the menorah, and the Aron Hakodesh. The entire parsha is a study in detail, providing the exact description of each vessel and the specific verbs used to describe each activity necessary for creating these vessels. Examples include: “and he gave;” “and he placed;” “and he brought;” “and he spread out;” “and he screened.”
Horav Moshe Swift, z.l., notes the Torah‘s emphasis on each activity. Every man has his own job to perform. One cannot be a silent partner in Jewish affairs. Each person must perform his endeavor of choice to his fullest potential. Some individuals must give, and some must take. Those who can work for the community are mandated to do so.
Everything in Jewish life has its own specified place. The Shulchan in the Mishkan was the place for the “bread.” Bread symbolizes physical needs. The Menorah, alluding to faith, was their source of light. The Aron, which housed the Torah, was representative of Torah study and observance. There are so many functions to fulfill in a community. Each member should aspire to develop his G-d given potential to its fullest. Each one must occupy his own unique position within the community structure.
When individuals choose to cross the boundaries of their own designated role, discord arises. The Chashmonaim, who descended from the tribe of Levi, were to serve as the spiritual progenitors of Klal Yisrael. Instead, they chose to enter the field of monarchy, a position which was designated for the tribe of Yehudah. This resulted in their tragic decimation.
How unfortunate is it that in the field of Jewish education everyone perceives himself as the educator par excellence. The unsophisticated and ignorant offer the educator instructions in his profession! Were this to happen in any other profession, the person would be ridiculed. If each of us would seek to excel in our own field of potential, not trespassing the role of others, we would be much happier and more productive members of the community.
