Parshat Pekudei: Building a Home for Hashem — With Our Hearts

Good evening, dear friends,

Tonight, I want to share some uplifting Torah insights as we conclude Sefer Shemot, often called Sefer HaGeulah—the Book of Redemption. This final portion, Parshat Pekudei, focuses on the building of the Mishkan, the Sanctuary, a powerful symbol of Hashem’s closeness and forgiveness.

This Torah reflection is dedicated in loving memory of Shoshana bas Robe Dove, whose emunah (faith) inspired all who knew her, and my dear husband, Rav Shloime ben Yehuda, zt"l (of blessed memory).

The Mishkan: A Testament to Love and Devotion

The Torah describes the detailed accounting of all the gold, silver, and materials donated by Am Yisrael for the Mishkan’s construction—all done according to Moshe Rabbeinu’s precise instructions after Yom Kippur. Why does the Torah repeat so many technical details about the Mishkan’s building?

• Because every detail was infused with ahava—love, devotion, and kavanah—intention.

• This teaches us how important it is to serve Hashem with joyful and wholehearted dedication.

The Mishkan is called Mishkan Ha'Edut, "the Sanctuary of Testimony." It testifies that even when we sin or fall short, forgiveness is always possible. Hashem is a loving Father who desires to dwell among us—not just in a physical structure, but within each of our hearts. This is why the Mishkan was built with so much care and spiritual intentionality.

Our Sages teach that the first Mishkan, built in the desert, was never destroyed because it was created with pure love and devotion. In contrast:

• The Beit HaMikdash built by Shlomo HaMelech, though magnificent, was likened to a “pledge” (mashkon).

• It was taken away when the people failed to uphold their covenant.

This teaches us an eternal lesson: Hashem’s presence rests not on buildings alone, but on the quality of our hearts and deeds. We are called to prove ourselves worthy of His dwelling by serving Him with joy, faith, and love.

The Wisdom of Betzalel: Preparing Our Hearts First

The Mishkan was built by a young man, Betzalel, a descendant of Yehudah and the prophet Miriam’s family. When Moshe Rabbeinu instructed him, Betzalel had a profound insight:

• Before building the sacred vessels like the Aron (Ark) or Menorah, the home itself must be built first.

• A home where Hashem feels welcome and comfortable.

This reminds us that in our spiritual lives, we must first prepare our hearts as a home for Hashem. Only then can we bring forth the “vessels” of Torah, light, blessing, and atonement into our lives and the world.

Joy and Optimism: Keys to Spiritual Elevation

As we face many challenges today—losses, tragedies, and uncertainty—our Torah reminds us: "Mi'she'nichnas Adar marbim b'simcha"—when Adar enters, joy increases.

• Our thoughts and prayers must be filled with optimism and faith.

• Hashem is the greatest Baal Rachamim—the Compassionate One—always ready to forgive and embrace us when we return to Him.

This joyous service hastens the coming of Moshiach, the ultimate redemption. Let us transform our worries and pain into hope and joy, strengthening our emunah and connection to Hashem.

Hashem’s Presence Among Us

The Torah ends with the Shechina (Divine Presence) resting upon the Mishkan, showing the fulfillment of Hashem’s promise. May we all merit to see this Shechina revealed in our lives and in the world speedily in our days.

Let us carry the spirit of this teaching as we begin Sefer Vayikra—with renewed strength, faith, and joy.

Hazak, Hazak, v’nitchazek—be strong, be strong, and let us strengthen one another.