Parashiot Vayakhel - Pekudei

Judaism teaches that G-d has a unique purpose for each and every one of us, and that G-d partners with us in bringing redemption into the world. We have a specific role to play in the cosmos. It is not enough to simply tell of G-d’s message, but we must be doers of G-d’s message as well. As James writes, we must not be merely hearers of what Torah says, but doers of what Torah teaches (James 1:22). And this is not just the position for leaders; it is what each and every one of us is required to do.

How is this supported in this week’s Torah portions? The answer is that G-d calls on Moshe to be personally involved in the building and erecting of the Tabernacle. In verse 40:2, G-d tells Moshe, “YOU are to set up the Tabernacle …” It was not enough for Moshe to merely hear the instructions from G-d; he was required to do it as well. Moshe himself was not only to be a leader, but also a servant.

Speaking on this verse (Ex. 40:2), the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Menachem Mendel Schneerson, stated:

This teaches that a person cannot only busy himself with his own spiritual development and Torah study. He needs to also be involved in helping others, just like G-d who wanted Moshe to be involved with the Tabernacle, not just as a spiritual leader and mentor, but also, “with his hands."

This follows the leadership model described by Yeshua that the greatest shall be least, and the least shall be the greatest (Mat 20:16). And that the greatest leader is to be the servant of all (Mark 9:35). Each of us has an opportunity to partner with G-d in bringing redemption into the world. G-d has a role for each of us to play. The question is are we willing to do it? For it is not enough to be only hearers of what Torah says, but we must be doers as well!