Exodus 31

Hook

Ever feel like you're juggling a million things, and then someone asks you to build something amazing? Like, really amazing, with specific instructions and everything? That's kind of where we find ourselves in this week's Torah portion. We're about to dive into a chapter that talks about building a very special place, a portable sanctuary called the Mishkan (Tabernacle). But it's not just about hammers and nails! It also introduces a concept that's super important to Jewish life: Shabbat. So, how do these two seemingly different ideas – building a sacred space and taking a day of rest – connect? Let's find out! This week, we’ll explore how incredible craftsmanship and sacred rest are intertwined, and how that can offer us insights for our own busy lives.

Context

Who, When, and Where?

• Who: This is a conversation between God (יהוה - pronounced Yah-weh) and Moses, the leader of the Israelites. Moses is the messenger who relays God's instructions to the people.
• When: This happens as the Israelites are wandering in the desert after escaping slavery in Egypt. They’ve received many instructions from God, and now it’s time to get specific about building the Mishkan.
• Where: This takes place in the Sinai Desert, near Mount Sinai, where the Israelites received the Ten Commandments.
• Key Term:
  • Mishkan (מִשְׁכָּן): A portable sanctuary, a special tent where God’s presence would dwell among the Israelites. Think of it as a divine dwelling place.

Text Snapshot

Here’s a glimpse of what God tells Moses in Exodus 31:

"See, I have singled out Bezalel son of Uri, of the tribe of Judah. I have endowed him with a divine spirit of skill, ability, and knowledge in every kind of craft; to make designs for work in gold, silver, and copper, to cut stones for setting and to carve wood—to work in every kind of craft. Moreover, I have granted skill to all who are skillful, that they may make everything that I have commanded you: the Tent of Meeting, the Ark for the Pact and the cover upon it, and all the furnishings of the Tabernacle...

And God said to Moses: Speak to the Israelite people and say: Nevertheless, you must keep My sabbaths, for this is a sign between Me and you throughout the ages, that you may know that I יהוה have consecrated you. You shall keep the sabbath, for it is holy for you... Six days may work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a sabbath of complete rest, holy to יהוה; whoever does work on the sabbath day shall be put to death. The Israelite people shall keep the sabbath, observing the sabbath throughout the ages as a covenant for all time..." (Exodus 31:1-5, 12-16, translated by Sefaria)

• Full Text (English): https://www.sefaria.org/Exodus_31.1-17

Close Reading

### Insight 1: Divine Skill for a Divine Project

God doesn't just ask anyone to build the Mishkan. God specifically chooses and empowers Bezalel and Oholiab, giving them "a divine spirit of skill, ability, and knowledge." This tells us that when we are called to do something significant, especially something that serves a higher purpose, we can look for that inner spark, that divine inspiration that gives us the talents we need. It’s not just about raw talent; it’s about recognizing that these gifts can be a way for us to connect with something greater.

The commentaries, like Ibn Ezra, point out that Bezalel and Oholiab were chosen not just for their skills, but for their exceptional abilities, unequaled among the Israelites at that time. This highlights that while many can contribute, sometimes specific individuals are uniquely equipped for particular tasks. It’s a reminder that our individual strengths, when honed and directed, can be incredibly valuable.

### Insight 2: The Power of the Sabbath as a Sign

Right after talking about the intricate work of building the Mishkan, the Torah pivots to Shabbat (שַׁבָּת), the Sabbath. God calls it "a sign between Me and you throughout the ages, that you may know that I יהוה have consecrated you." This isn't just a day off; it's a sacred pause, a covenant. The commentators grapple with why Shabbat is mentioned here, right next to the building instructions. The Maor VaShemesh commentary raises a fascinating point: perhaps the act of observing Shabbat, this deliberate rest, is itself a way to understand how God's presence can dwell in the world, much like the Mishkan is meant to house God's presence.

Think about it: the Mishkan is built with intense focus and skill over six days (implied by the Shabbat command). Then, Shabbat arrives – a complete cessation of creative work. This rhythm suggests a profound connection. The effort put into creation is honored by the rest and reflection that follows. It’s like saying, "We build, we create, and then we pause to appreciate, to recharge, and to remember who we are and who God is." This pause isn't about emptiness; it's about holiness, a time set apart.

### Insight 3: Connecting Creation and Rest

The Torah links Shabbat directly to the creation of the universe: "For in six days יהוה made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day [God] ceased from work and was refreshed." This is a foundational idea. God, the ultimate creator, also observed a day of rest. This isn't because God needed a break, but to establish a pattern for us. The Maor VaShemesh commentary delves deep into this, suggesting that the Mishkan was built to bring God's presence down to the physical world, just as creation itself was a way for God's glory to be known. Shabbat, then, is a microcosm of this, allowing us to experience a taste of that divine presence in our weekly rhythm.

The very act of ceasing work on Shabbat allows us to connect with the divine in a different way. It's not about doing but about being. It’s a spiritual recalibration. The intense focus needed to build the Mishkan requires a corresponding intensity of rest to truly appreciate and integrate the experience. This is a powerful lesson: our most meaningful creations often come after periods of thoughtful rest and reflection.

Apply It

This week, let's practice appreciating the rhythm of effort and rest.

Your 60-second daily practice: Find a quiet moment each day, perhaps before bed or at the start of your day, for just 60 seconds. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Think about one thing you created or accomplished that day, no matter how small. Then, gently acknowledge that it’s okay to rest and recharge. You don't have to be "doing" all the time. Simply allow yourself to be for that minute. If it helps, you can even whisper to yourself, "I created this, and now I rest."

Chevruta Mini

Grab a friend, family member, or even just talk to yourself! Here are a couple of questions to get you thinking:

1. The Torah emphasizes Bezalel's "divine spirit of skill." How can we recognize and nurture our own "divine skills," even if they don't feel as grand as building a sanctuary?
2. God calls Shabbat a "sign." What does it mean for something to be a "sign" between us and the divine? How can observing Shabbat feel like a sign of our connection to God?

Takeaway

Remember this: Incredible creation and sacred rest are not opposites, but partners in bringing holiness into our lives.