The language is striking. The Torah should have written V’Shachanti b’socho, “within it.” Rather, it writes, V’Shachanti b’socham, “within them,” which implies that Hashem will reside within them—within the hearts of each and every individual. The Alshich HaKadosh explains that the physical Mishkan was a model and a standard for how, and in what form one should create a space/Sanctuary within his own heart for the Shechinah to reside. The idea that each Jew will create a Mishkan within himself is inspiring and profound. It is also frightening. The inspiration profoundly comes from the realization of what Hashem feels we are capable of achieving. The frightening part is, if we fail, we are aware that we could have brought Hashem deeper into our lives, but did not succeed.
Building an inner sanctuary requires work. We must cultivate those qualities which invite the Divine Presence: love, kindness, humility, and a deep commitment to the Torah and Mitzvos. We must see to it that our lives align with the demands of sanctity, our thoughts, speech, and actions reflecting the goals of Torah values. Holiness requires an environment conducive to its preservation and growth. Just as the physical Mishkan was constructed of precious materials, our heart-based Mishkan can be built and maintained only with such materials that enhance sanctity, such as Torah, avodah, and gemillus chasadim, all guided by the core value of emes. Many acts of devotion appear to be sincere; many people carry out these activities under the rubric of l’shem Shomayim, for Heaven’s sake. Only emes can determine the veracity of their intentions. One cannot dwell part-time. Transforming ourselves into a Mishkan, a dwelling place for Hashem, is not like a time-share apartment. Each Jew performs his role in bringing the Divine Presence into the world. It is a constant responsibility that requires personal growth. One does not slack off when his “visitor” is Hashem. We are forever encouraged to view our daily efforts in spirituality as sacred acts, transforming our lives into a personal sanctuary of the Divine. This is why it is so frightening. The responsibility is awesome, and the reward is extraordinary.
Chazal (Shabbos 30b) teach that the Shechinah does not rest upon a person who is in atzvus (depression/sadness). When a house as filled with joy, the Shechinah will enter. When the Shechinah is part of the house, when Hashem’s Presence permeates the family life within that domain, it is blessed. In other words, simcha, joy, begets the Shechinah, and the Shechinah brings blessing.
The following story is related by Horav Eliezer Halevi Turk, shlita, who heard it from the Rav of Achuzas Brachfeld, in his hesped, eulogy, for Horav Shmuel Halevi Wosner, zl. The Rav was on the Rabbinical board of Mayanei Hayeshua hospital in Bnei Brak. As a result, he was often called to serve in the capacity of chaplain to spend time and give comfort to patients who were extremely ill. One day, he was called to the bedside of a Yid who was r”l paralyzed throughout most of his body. With great pain, he was able to move parts of his body slowly. The man asked the Rav if, in his present condition, he was allowed to recite the blessing She’asah li kol tzarki, Who has provided me with all my needs. As of right now, just lying there he really had no purpose in life. Could he at least recite the blessing? The Rav replied that Horav Shmuel Wosner was due to visit the hospital that day: “We will present him with this sheilah, halachic query.”
When Rav Wosner was presented with the question, he became emotional and demanded to meet the choleh, the patient who had asked the question. Rav Wosner walked into the room and, after expressing his warm feelings to the choleh for a refuah shleimah, asked if he could share the following story with him.
“When I was a student in Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, I had the honor and merit to accompany my revered Rebbe, Horav Meir Shapiro, zl, on a visit to the hospital. One of the distinguished students in the yeshivah became ill with a dreadful disease. The doctors despaired for his life. The Rosh Yeshivah hoped that his visit would somehow infuse him with a modicum of hope. When we entered the room, we were shocked. The young man was certainly suffering excruciating pain, yet he appeared to be filled with joy and in an elevated spiritual state. It was absolutely unreal. Rav Meir Shapiro was taken aback and asked, “What is the reason for your joyful mood?”
The student’s answer impacted the Rosh Yeshivah, “I have often thought about my state of illness, which has resulted in my being here in pain and unable to do anything for myself. As I lay here, I wonder: What is it that Hashem wants of me? Why has He kept me alive, when I can do nothing to serve Him? I remind myself of the words of Chazal (Shabbos 30b). ‘The Shechinah, Divine Presence, rests above the head of a choleh.’ Consequently, I have an enormous purpose in living. I am bringing the Shechinah down to this world! Hashem’s Divine Presence rests above me, and I, due to my illness, brought Him down here. Is this not a worthy purpose in life and a reason to be filled with joy?”
When Rav Meir Shapiro heard these words from the young man who knew how close he was to his mortal end, he said, “This statement must be preserved for generations.”
Rav Wosner concluded the story by saying to the choleh who had questioned his purpose in life, “How can you say that you have no purpose in life? On your shoulders rests one of the most significant and powerful functions: You have the opportunity to bring the Shechinah down to this world.” The man who had originally sent for Rav Wosner related that, after that conversation, not only did the patient’s mood change—even his physical condition improved. A calm and positive mental state reduces stress and improves overall well-being, which are critical for recovery. Shlomo HaMelech writes (Mishlei 17:22), “A joyful heart is good medicine.” This highlights that a positive disposition has healing power, while despair or anxiety can weaken the body as well as the spirit. Indeed, a caregiver should know that offering reassurance, understanding, kindness—and just being there—can be just as therapeutic as any medical treatment.
