We were blessed with the presence of a Sanctuary in our midst during three periods in Jewish history. The period of the Mishkan lasted until the first Bais HaMikdash. The first Bais HaMikdash was followed seventy years later by the second Bais HaMikdash. While the two Batei Mikdash were eventually destroyed, the Mishkan remained eternal. Just because it is not in our immediate environs does not mean it is not secure in a Heavenly sphere. Furthermore, as noted by Chazal (Shabbos 21B), it is prohibited to derive pleasure from the neiros, lights. In his commentary to the Gemora, the Rav writes that, since it was the Chanukah miracle that allowed for the continued lighting of the Menorah, the neiros, lights of the Menorah, and the entire process of lighting achieved special status. Thus, due to the miracle, the neiros of Chanukah achieved the eternal holy status of the neiros of the Mishkan. As a result, we are prohibited from deriving hanaah, pleasure, from these neiros.
Horav Moshe Shapiro, zl, derives a powerful lesson from here. When we light our Chanukah menorah, it is not just a simple lighting commemorating a historical event, but we are lighting the neiros in the Bais HaMikdash! Hadlokas Neiros Chanukah is a continuation of the lighting of the Menorah in the Sanctuary. This should allow a new and powerful perspective on Chanukah, and the Festival of Lights, as it became known. It is actually a reenactment of the kindling of the Menorah in the Bais HaMikdash. Thus, on Chanukah we bring the kedushah of the Bais HaMikdash into our home.
Rav Shapiro underscores an important truth. If we are to view the hadlokas ha’menorah in our homes as an extension of the hadlakah that took place in the Sanctuary, it must be reference to the hadlakah in the Mishkan – not the Batei Mikdash. One particular reference impacts present day hadlakah: The Batei Mikdash were to be built in a specific area as detailed by the Navi to align with the measurements instructed by the Navi. The Mishkan, however, traveled with us wherever we went. Whenever we camped, the Mishkan’s components were taken out and set up. When the call to move out came, Bnei Yisrael disassembled the structure and packed it up in preparation for the next encampment.
Hayotzei midvareinu, in conclusion, in order to have Hashro’as haShechinah, the Divine Presence, rest in the Bais HaMikdash, the edifice must be standing in its prescribed place. We must go to the Bais HaMikdash. The Mishkan, however, is wherever we are. Wherever we find ourselves, the Shechinah can repose among us. There is one contingency: we must allow the Shechinah into our Mishkan; we must make place in our heart for the Divine Presence. As a result, the Mishkan was never destroyed. It exists until this very day. Where? Wherever we are.
