Parashat Pekudei: What can we do?

• Published date: 15 March 2024
• Author: RABBI SHMUEL RABINOWITZ
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

The contributions for the construction of the Mishkan and priestly garments were given by the entire nation, and the execution was carried out by Bezalel ben Uri and Oholiab ben Ahisamach, along with "every wise-hearted man into whose heart the Lord had given wisdom, everyone whose heart lifted him up to approach the work to do it" (Exodus 36:2). It was a national celebration of partnership in creating the holy place of which God said: "And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them" (Ex. 25:8)

But after the planks and curtains were prepared for the Mishkan, who actually built the Mishkan itself? Regarding this, Moses himself was commanded:

"And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 'On the day of the first month, on the first of the month, you shall set up the Mishkan of the Tent of Meeting'" (Exodus 40:1-2).

Indeed, Moses did so, as described further:

"It came to pass in the first month, in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the Mishkan was set up. Moses set up the Mishkan... as the Lord had commanded Moses" (Exodus 40:17-18).

The construction of the Tabernacle – twice

If we carefully examine the language of the Torah, we notice that the construction is described twice: once passively, "the Mishkan was set up," without specifying who erected it; and a second time actively, specifying Moses as the one who acted – "Moses set up the Mishkan."

The sages of the Midrash noted this duplication and delved into it. They recounted that Bezalel, Oholiab, and the other wise-hearted individuals who crafted the Mishkan attempted to erect it themselves but were unsuccessful. The reason for this was that Moses regretted not being involved physically in the construction of the Mishkan, so God reserved for him the right to build it himself:

"Moses was troubled by all this until the Holy One, blessed be He, told him: 'Moses, because you were unhappy over the fact that you did not share in the work of the building of the Mishkan, these wise men are not able to erect it....' Moses replied...