ויכס הענן את אהל מועד וכבוד ד' מלא את המשכן... כי ענן ד' על המשכן יומם ואש תהיה לילה בו לעיני כל בית ישראל
The Mishkan served a unique function. As the Sanctuary in the wilderness and the forerunner of the Bais HaMikdash, it served as the focal point of Jewish life in the wilderness and, later, in the Promised Land. The Mishkan announced to the world that Hashem had forgiven Klal Yisrael for their participation in the sin of the Golden Calf. It declared that His Divine Presence rested among us. It was the spiritual, inspirational hub around which the life of the Jew was bound up. It was the place where the Divine Service was carried out, and it was a tent…
