Getting To Know You

In this week's parsha, Pekudei, we read about how the artisans made the clothing of the Kohanim, and several vessels of the Mishkan. After every item was completed, it says, that they made it, "as Hashem commanded Moshe." Moshe was so impressed by this, that he blessed them.

Later in the parsha it tells how Moshe erected the Mishkan and placed all its vessels. Again, after every job done, it says that he did it "as Hashem commanded Moshe."

Why is it so important for the Torah to repeat this over and over again?

Artists and craftsmen have a creative spark in them. They have their way of seeing things and that influences the outcome of their work. It takes a special kind of person, who can listen to a another person, and create the others vision, completely ignoring his / her inner creative spark. It is truly difficult to do what another asks, the way they want you to do it. The fact is, "I know better." And because of this, it is amazing that by the Mishkan, every step of the way was done "as Hashem commanded Moshe." Therefore Moshe feels that they should be blessed.

How were they able to do it? 

In the case of the Mishkan, the artisans took it to a whole new level. It was not them ignoring their creative spark, rather they were so in tune with Hashem, that their creative spark was totally in line with Hashem's will. When you are one with Hashem, you find it easier to do what He wants.

The book of Shemos ends with this story, and tells us that when the Mishkan, that these artisans built, was completed, Hashem's presence filled it.

We all too are blessed with our own disposition, nature and creative spark. We all have our own way of thinking. "Everyone else is wrong and I am right."  When things are not the way I think they should be. The world becomes a dark place.

The ego has taken over and there is no room for anything or anyone else. When your ego takes over, you are alone, because your ego leaves no space for anyone else.

When you bring humility in to the picture, you find value in others. When you begin to see and feel the other's way of thinking, you open the door to friendship, closeness, love and oneness.

The same is true when it comes to our relationship with Hashem. We all have ideas of what Hashem wants of us. However, through studying Torah, especially the esoteric, and Chasidic teachings, we get to know Hashem in a more intimate way. Slowly we transform and align ourselves with Him and His will becomes our will.

This Shabbos is my 44th birthday, and I find that life has gotten difficult. I wonder why Hashem put me in this situation. While it is difficult for me, it is by far harder on my wife Dina who has taken over all my responsibilities on top of her own. It is hard to understand why Hashem does these things. The only thing I can do is trust that He knows what He is doing.

Realizing that all that we go through is from Hashem, is also part of getting to know Him.

It is my hope, that soon we will merit to see Hashem's presence fill our actions, our Temple and our lives. May we come to see how our difficulties accomplished the transformation that brings Moshiach.

Until then, be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen each other.