5786/2026
The Torah raises the question: Is it possible to be completely devoted to Hashem without losing sight of the physical world, or completely immersed within the physical world without losing sight of Hashem? Judaism attempts to resolve this issue with a complete merger of the two, and this, perhaps, is best seen at the building of the Mishkan.
This week’s Parashah marks the beginning of the construction of the Mishkan. The Mishkan is described as a place for Hashem’s presence to “rest,” as the Pasuk states: “Ve’Asu Li Mikdash VeShachanti BiTocham,” “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them” (Shemot 25:8). This Pasuk prompts the question: since Hashem is not physical and cannot be contained by physical space, what is the purpose of building a physical structure to serve as His “home”? As said in the Ani Ma’amins: “Ani Ma’amin B’Emunah Sheleimah SheHaBoreh Yitbarach Shemo Aino Guf,” “I believe with a full heart that Hakadosh Baruch Hu is not physical, and has no physical being” so what is the point of building the Mishkan, a physical home for an immaterial being?
The Ramban famously notes that the Sefer of Shemot is the Sefer of Geulah, redemption. There is a common misconception that this is referring to our redemption from our slavery in Egypt, however, this is really referring to the building of the Mishkan. The Ramban writes that the entire purpose of our creation is to give a place for Hashem to rest his divine and in building the Mishkan we are fulfilling our purpose.
The Mishkan is not a building but rather an opportunity. This opportunity is exemplified through the word “BiTocham,” “among them.” It is a chance to facilitate elevating ourselves to the point that Hashem, our God, would rest within us.
In totality, one should neither devote himself more to God or the physical world but elevate himself so that Hashem would rest within him. This answers the question, Judaism is about an elevation of physical items to connect spiritually. The synthesis of connecting with Hashem and the physical world teaches us that we must elevate ourselves spiritually so that Hashem will be willing to rest within our physical bodies.