A child wished to have a brand new bike but his father was not financially capable of providing him with it. One morning the boy runs to his father beaming. “Dad, last night I dreamt that I was riding a brand new bike that you bought for me!” “Very well, my child,” he replies. “Continue to dream and enjoy your new bike”.
In life we have a wish list and a list of accomplishments. Our wish list contains many grand and noble plans for what we would like to accomplish – that have yet to be realized.
This week’s parsha consists of a summary of the construction of the Tabernacle in the Sinai Dessert. It enumerates the contributions by the nation, the meticulous work of the artisans and the beautiful results of the talented tailors. This all seems to be repetitive since the details of the construction were already recorded in previous sections of the Torah. Such repetition is uncharacteristic for the Torah that may articulate scores of laws in a single line.
The Rebbe explains, previously the Torah recorded G-d’s instructions to Moses how to build the Tabernacle. Then it was all a theory and a dream, but will the people actually come forward and participate in erecting an edifice for G-d?
Now that the work was complete the Torah celebrates this accomplishment by once again recording every last detail. They joyously followed the instructions to the tee, G-d’s will had been realized and His presence dwelled, not only within the camp but in the hearts of all the participants. Mission accomplished!
Today, in the absence of the Holy Temple each and every community designates a mini Holy Temple – the synagogue. Just as in the Sinai Dessert G-d dwelled within the hearts of all the participants, when we participate in the construction of a beautiful home for G-d, His presence will dwell in our hearts as well. When building our private home we are mindful to ensure that it should be adequately spacious for the entire family and guests as well. The same applies to G-d’s home. It is crucial that we provide a proper venue to enhance the abilities of our community to expand and blossom. Let us join together in making the new Chabad Lubavitch Center for Jewish Life a reality!
On Shabbat, as we complete the second book of the Torah we will announce “Chazak Chazak Venit’chazeik! – Be strong! Be strong! And let us strengthen each other!” The realization of this dream will be a community effort.