By Rabbi
Yisroel Shusterman
This
week’s Parsha Perspective is dedicated by Mr. Binyomin Philipson in memory of
his late mother Mrs. Ellen (Elka bas Zisel) Philipson OBM
“Let all those wise
of heart come and do” - Exodus 35:10.
In this week’s Torah
portion, Vayakhel (Shmos [Exodus] 35:1-38:20) Moses called upon each individual
member of the Children of Israel to come forward and use their particular skill
(“wisdom”) to build the Mishkan - the desert Tabernacle. The Mishkan was an
amazing work of art and engineering, and much wisdom and skill were required to
build it.
But why does he
issue a call for the “wise of heart”? Is this not a contradiction in terms?
After all, wisdom is in the mind, while emotions are in the heart!
Perhaps the Torah is
teaching us a valuable lesson, especially applicable in the construction of our
personal Mishkan.
Skill alone is
sterile, while emotion alone is unpredictable.
The wise person can
know something and it can have no effect on his or her life - it remains in the
display case of their brain, never used to direct their behavior.
Another person may
have profound experiences of deep religious emotion expressed so strongly that
they reach a point where they lose sight of other good things in which they
should be involved, or they become overly critical of others who seem not to be
as enthused as they.
Hence, G‑d directs Moses to
tell the Jewish people: As each and every one of you is building a personal
Mishkan - a Sanctuary for G‑d made of the stuff of your life - remember
to be “wise of heart.”
“Wise” - allow G‑dly wisdom to direct
your feelings in a constructive, balanced and inclusive way.
“Of heart” - allow
this knowledge to create a current of excitement and passion for the good and
the G‑dly that fills your body and changes your world.
(Excerpts
from Chabad.org – by Rabbi Shlomo Yaffe)
May you have a
meaningful and uplifting Shabbos
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