Blessing an individual who was involved in the creation and successful completion of a project is more than a token of encouragement. It ratifies his work and shows that it is appreciated. When Klal Yisrael completed the Mishkan, Moshe Rabbeinu blessed them. Rashi quotes the text of the blessing. “Yehi ratzon, may it be Hashem’s Will that the Shechinah rests upon your handiwork. As you successfully completed the Mishkan, so should you merit to go on to build the Bais HaMikdash.” Ralbag writes that it is appropriate for the pre-eminent leader of the generation (or any other spiritual leader, for that…
Imagine Moshe Rabbeinu gave an accounting of every item used for the construction of the Mishkan. He gave this accounting to the Jewish People to allay any fears that they might have concerning the propriety of his leadership. It is astounding – almost unreal – that the adon haNaviim, master of all prophets, the quintessential leader of the Jewish nation, had to prove himself! Concerning Moshe, Hashem attests: B’chol Beisi ne’eman hu, “In all My house he is trusted” (Bamidbar 12:7). Yet, Moshe felt it necessary to give a clear accounting to the people of every piece of gold, silver,…