Bible study can be difficult simply because of the stuffy language. Although the original Hebrew is brilliant and stimulating, if one is unfamiliar with the sacred language reading a Shakespearean translation with a dictionary on hand is an unpleasant way to become acquainted with our glorious heritage. Thankfully there are newer, modern translations available today enhanced with traditional interpretations, making Torah study an appreciated and cherished activity.
The original Hebrew text occasionally seems to have grammatical inconsistencies, awkward syntax or peculiar wording, but a careful and guided study of the text reveals deep and powerful messages communicated in these subtle nuances. The opening paragraph of this week’s parsha is one case in point.
After securing atonement for the Jews in the aftermath of the sin of the golden calf, Moshe gathered the nation to instruct them on the construction of the Mishkan, the magnificent yet portable structure that served as G-d’s dwelling in the desert.
At the mass gathering the project was prefaced with the mitzvah of observing Shabbat. “Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have sanctity, a day of complete rest to the L-rd.”
Notice how impersonal and stuffy the opening line is? True, “six days you shall work” would be a more personal way of translating it, but it would be an incorrect translation of the sentence. The words in the verse read “TEI-ASEH MELACHA” (work shall be done) and not “TA-ASEH MELACHA” (you shall work) to teach us a fundamental lesson in life.
This biblical construction project was not merely an ancient communal effort to earn G-d’s good graces. It serves as the template for how we can live purposeful lives and channel G-d’s blessings of health, wealth, success and happiness. True purpose is not achieved through rejecting the world just like G-d refused to exclusively dwell in our thoughts and prayers. The highest quality materials were used to build G-d’s home in the desert thousands of years ago, and we build “G-d’s home” today in the mundane and physical activities we do such as working, eating, exercising and vacationing.
But for these mundane activities to channel the divine and invite G-d’s blessings in our personal lives we must engage in them with mental and emotional distance. “Work shall be done” denotes that one should never identify with their mundane activities, and instead be personally invested and identify with the divine aspects of life such as Torah study, prayer and Mitzvah observance.
Imagine a budding entrepreneur spent weeks researching the best type of bank account to use for a new business and celebrated the opening of the new account with a lavish banquet. That’s absurd because such passion should be invested in the details that generate the income and not to the bank account where the cash will flow to. It’s like a guy sewing extra pockets to hold more cash but refuses to work in order to make the money.
Over 150 years ago a venerable chassidic scholar opened a rubber boots business. During his next visit to Lubavitch, the Rebbe commented “I’ve seen feet in boots before, but I have never seen a head in boots!” While he wished him well in his new enterprise, the Rebbe reminded him where the true blessings of success come from.
While the Torah commands us to work hard to earn a living, it guides us to not make work everything we live for. Ensure your work is in accordance with Torah traditions, laws and ethics and always make time for what really matters in life.