During the long family day weekend in Canada and the Presidents Day weekend in the U.S, I took our son to Washington D.C. and visited his sisters. Two of his sisters live in and around DC and one lives in New York City. As we were leaving, we had to bring his New York City sister to Union Station so she could catch a train back to New York. It was very early Sunday morning and we decided to stop and look at the various monuments and memorials that are on the Mall. All week long we had been following the news of the events that continued to unfold in Ottawa and the crisis that is unfolding in Ukraine. The world seems a bit darker and more frightening. The morning was cold and clear as we looked at the various memorials and monuments, read the inscriptions, and contemplated the sacrifice of people who believe in the idea of Democracy. At the Lincoln Memorial, directly behind the statue, we read "In this Temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Directly behind the Lincoln memorial, the road takes one over a bridge and into Arlington National Cemetary. Both sanctuaries reminded us of the sacrifice that is sometimes necessary to preserve an idea. As my son and I drove back across the Potomac River and onto the highway bound for Toronto, we commented on the courage of these people and we also commented on the courage of people to leave their home countries for a better future for their children, grandchildren, and their legacy. Why else would people come to North America, and settle in Canada and the U.S. if not for a chance at a better future?
This week’s Pasha is Vayakahel. Following the sin of the Golden Calf and Teshuvah (repentance), B’nai Yisroel begins executing God’s instructions for the Mishkan, the Ark, and the Tent of the Meeting. After the destructive behavior of worshipping the Golden Calf, B’nai Yisroel comes together and shares a common constructive experience bound by a common goal. Their goal is to complete the construction of the Mishkan. Before they begin the actual execution of God’s command, Moshe reminds B’nai Yisroel that observing the Sabbath’s restrictions is paramount and supersede the Mishkan’s, (The Tabernacle) building schedule.
Even though this structure was to be a place for God, the Sabbath restrictions are more important. The text then begins describing the common experience of contributing raw materials to this enormous public works project. V’Yavo’u kol Ish Asher Nasahu Libo V’chol Asher Nadvah Rucho- Every man whose heart inspired him came; and everyone whose spirit motivated him brought the portion of God for the work of the Tent of the Meeting, for all its labor and for the sacred clothing (Ex.35:21). Ibn Ezra, a 12th Century Spanish commentator, explains that the phrase “whose heart inspired him”, is a reference to the “wise-hearted”. These were individuals who were motivated by their minds and not by emotions. After seeing the disastrous results of the Golden Calf, wisdom and not emotion was indeed a better motivator. By participating in this constructive process, everyone had an opportunity to repent for the sin of the Golden Calf and for its lack of faith. Only insight and wisdom guided B’nai Yisroel to begin on the fringes from the outside of the Mishkan and begin working towards repentance, towards holiness, and towards the Kodesh Kodeshim (the Holy of Holies).
Those who participated in the construction of the Mishkan had a powerful sense of responsibility. Indeed, being a member of a purpose-driven community requires individuals to be “wise-hearted”, thoughtful, and informed. As my son and I left Washington DC and began our drive back home, we understood that Judaism and liberal democracies are purpose-driven focused upon an ideal, not a person. Both Judaism and liberal democracies required informed, wise-hearted, thoughtful community members. Both Judaism and liberal democracy is only as strong as their community and citizens are informed, wise-hearted, and inspired to create “the most perfect union”.
Rav Yitz
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