We may note from the pesukim that the commandments regarding making the various vessels of the Mishkan differ in style and form. Regarding the Aron Hakodesh it says, and they shall make, which is the plural form. Regarding the Menorah and the Shulchan, on the other hand, it says, and you shall make, in the singular form. The Midrash reflects upon this distinction and states, “Let them all come and involve themselves in the study of the Torah.” Access to Torah is not limited. The opportunity to attain greatness in the area of Torah endeavor is open to everybody, and everyone is mandated to struggle to achieve his own potential. The commandments regarding the Shulchan and Menorah, however, are written in the singular, since access to kehunah (priesthood), represented by the Menorah, and monarchy, represented by the Shulchan, is restricted by birth to a select group.
We may derive a divine message from the Midrash’s specific use of the word, “and they shall involve themselves” in contrast to “and they shall study”. In order to achieve the crown of Torah, superficial study is not sufficient; one must totally immerse himself in Torah study. One will never appreciate the depth and scope of Jewish knowledge through superficial learning. One may even come to consider it irrelevant and trivial. The mitzvah of Torah study demands that we study, so that we will be able to perform other mitzvos. The law is exceedingly complex, and only one who seeks direction through knowledge can be truly observant. One who is motivated to observe mitzvos will be similarly motivated to study. The mitzvah of Torah study, however, extends far beyond the practical. It is Hashem’s Divine will, and hence has its own inherent value . All areas of the Torah have significance, for they are the expression of the Divine will. Torah demands constant “hisaskus” – involvement. This is especially relevant to those who seek the mantle of Torah leadership. They must seek their guidance and inspiration only from those who have struggled to achieve the crown of Torah.
