Why do you get out of bed in the morning? What drives you?
At first, the question may seem absurd, but it is deeply thought-provoking. Some will say they rise to make a living, feed their families, or enjoy their weekends. But is that really what life is all about? Is it possible that we are moving through life, completely missing the point — like ants working tirelessly in their colonies, unaware of the bigger picture?
A striking redundancy in a recent Torah portion clarifies our purpose and offers the proper perspective on what we are truly meant to accomplish.
The universe, spanning 176 trillion billion miles, is vast beyond comprehension. Yet, its creation is described in just a few short sentences — a mere 31 verses tell the story of Creation. In contrast, this portion is part of an extensive narrative, spanning 371 verses — half of the Book of Exodus — detailing the construction of the Tabernacle (Mishkan). Surely, the creation of heaven and earth is a far greater feat than the construction of a small sanctuary for G-d, built by the Jews during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Mishkan, a modest structure measuring just 150 by 75 feet — the size of our shul — receives an overwhelming amount of attention, far out of proportion to its size or significance. Why?
Because Creation was G-d’s home for man, but the Tabernacle was man’s home for G-d. That changes everything, because that is why we have been placed on this earth in the first place.
The world was brought into existence through G-d’s miracle, transforming energy into matter. The Tabernacle, however, was our miracle — as the Jewish people took matter and turned it into energy. Creation was the infinite G-d shaping a finite world. The Tabernacle was finite man striving to create space for the infinite. That is why the Torah devotes more time to the Tabernacle than to the formation of the galaxies. The universe is vast, but the Tabernacle is valuable.
It is easy to assume that spirituality lies in the grand, the infinite, the celestial. Yet Judaism teaches that G-d is found in the details. The Torah does not merely state that the Jews built a Tabernacle — it describes every hook, seam, peg, nail, beam, socket, drape, and bow. Even the measurements are often in halves, as if to hint that our work is never complete. The small details of life — the daily routines, the quiet moments, the seemingly insignificant choices — may feel mundane, but in truth they are precious. Every word, every thought, and every action can help build a home for G-d.
Sometimes, we feel imperfect or even like imposters. We may sense that our efforts are unworthy of serving the Creator of the Universe. That is why the Torah tells us that the measurements of the Tabernacle included many half-measurements — to teach us that G-d values every effort we make, despite our imperfections.
The construction of the Tabernacle was not merely an architectural project; it was an act of devotion. The Jewish people did not simply build it; they poured their hearts into it. The word “lev” (heart) appears in this parsha more than in any other portion of the Torah. They brought so much gold, silver, and precious materials that Moshe had to stop the fundraising after just two days — something unheard of in Jewish history! They gave wholeheartedly, understanding that there is no greater purpose than using their time, talents, and treasures to bring holiness into the world.
The beauty of Judaism is that from the fragmented pieces of our lives, we can build a home for G-d. The Tabernacle was not made of supernatural forces or divine fire. It was built with human hands, human hearts, and human effort. Just as they built the Mishkan in the desert, we too can build a sanctuary for G-d in our own lives — through our homes, our workplaces, and our communities.
This is why half of the Book of Exodus is dedicated to the Tabernacle. Creation was cosmic, but this was personal. The ordinary moments of our lives, when infused with meaning, serve the needs of an extraordinary G-d.
Beyond all the chaos in our lives is an underlying mission to make this world a holy place. This is the mission statement of the Jewish People.
Is your home a place where G-d would feel welcome? Are your heart and mind attuned to His values? Is your family aligned with the culture and customs of our Maker — so that He can dwell among us? It is never too late to begin. After all, that is why we are here in the first place!
Rabbi Dovid Vigler is the spiritual leader at Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens and host of the Jewish Schmooze Radio Show. Email him at [email protected]
