As we reach parashat Pekudei, the conclusion of Sefer Shemot, we find ourselves at the culmination of five parshiyot detailing, in meticulous repetition, the construction of the Mishkan. There are three significant lessons drawn from Chazal, each with deep and contemporary relevance. Our member Rabbi Paul Bloom explains.
The Principle of
Accountability
The first lesson relates to Moshe
Rabbeinu’s scrupulous account of every donation contributed towards the
Mishkan. He meticulously records all the gold, silver, and other precious
materials that were given, ensuring full transparency. This raises an important
question: Was such an account necessary? If there was ever an individual about
whom there could be no doubt regarding integrity, it was Moshe Rabbeinu. The
Torah itself testifies to his unparalleled trustworthiness, humility, and
devotion to transmitting the word of Hashem with absolute fidelity. Why, then,
does he feel the need to present a detailed financial report?
Chazal explain that Moshe Rabbeinu was
not merely providing an account of the funds—he was teaching a fundamental
principle in Jewish life: accountability. No matter how righteous and beyond
suspicion one may be, communal leaders, particularly those entrusted with
financial matters, must demonstrate transparency. This principle has guided
Jewish leadership throughout the ages. Those appointed as treasurers of
communal funds, whether in the Beit HaMikdash, charitable organizations, or
synagogues, must maintain a standard of conduct that leaves no room for
misinterpretation.
The Mishnah in Shekalim reinforces this
idea by describing how the treasurer of the Temple would wear a special garment
without pockets or folds and go barefoot to ensure that no one could suspect
him of wrongdoing. The reason given is that Jewish leadership must be just not
only in the eyes of Hashem but also in the eyes of people. There will always be
cynics and detractors, and the only way to counteract baseless accusations is
to act with complete transparency and integrity.
The Spiritual
Significance of Simplicity
The second lesson is drawn from the
commentary of the Sforno, who highlights an often-overlooked aspect of the
Mishkan. While the Jewish people contributed generously, producing gold,
silver, and other costly materials, the Mishkan itself remained remarkably
small. The Aron, the most sacred object, was only about 1.5 meters in length
and barely over a meter in width—smaller than an average breakfast table!
This principle applies broadly. While it
is important to build beautiful synagogues, schools, and homes in honor of
Hashem, we must be mindful of the point at which aesthetics overshadow
spiritual substance. Beauty enhances a mitzvah, but an obsession with grandeur
can detract from inner meaning. The same holds true for individuals. While
outward appearance has value, when excessive focus is placed on external
beauty, it risks eclipsing inner virtues. The Sforno’s insight serves as a
reminder that true greatness is found not in size or splendor, but in sanctity
and purpose.
The Foundations of the
Mishkan and the Power of Berachah
The third lesson comes from the
structural foundations of the Mishkan. The Torah describes the adanim—solid
silver sockets that served as the base for the Mishkan’s wooden beams. These
foundations were formed from the half-shekel contributions of every Jew,
totaling exactly 100 adanim.
The Ba’al HaTurim makes a fascinating
connection: the word adanim
shares a root with Ad-onai,
one of Hashem’s names. He links this to the teaching in Masechet Menachot that
Jews should strive to recite 100 blessings daily. Just as the adanim
provided the physical stability of the Mishkan, so too do our daily berachot
serve as the spiritual foundation of a Jewish life.
A Jew’s day is built on constant
awareness of Hashem’s presence. Whether through blessings over food, mitzvot,
or daily prayers, each berachah strengthens our connection to Hashem and
reinforces the holiness in our daily actions. By uttering these blessings with
mindfulness, we mirror the stability and strength of the Mishkan’s adanim,
building a life of sanctity and devotion.
Conclusion
As we reflect on parashat Pekudei, we
find powerful lessons that remain deeply relevant. We are reminded of the
necessity for accountability in leadership, the importance of prioritizing
inner spiritual depth over external grandeur, and the foundational role of
daily blessings in our lives.
May we merit to build strong and stable
foundations in our communities, infusing our lives with transparency, sanctity,
and gratitude. May the Shechinah rest upon our efforts, just as it did upon the
Mishkan, guiding us toward a future of spiritual and communal strength.
