A New Holocaust Film Every Young Person Should See
3 min read
Memo from God: Heads up: At 1:30 today you will encounter a major personal crisis. Be prepared.
We don’t receive memos from God. We can’t know the exact time that a misfortune will occur, nor can we fully prepare ourselves. The magnitude of impending hardship can seem overwhelming. Sometimes, it may feel instinctive to give into despair. Traditionally, this has not been the Jewish response to adversity.
Jewish history is replete with major calamities, yet the Jewish People have rebuilt themselves, repeatedly. Neither persecution nor exiles have diminished their indomitable spirit. The hallmarks of Jewish continuity are perseverance coupled with resilience. What empowers this enduring tenacity? A unique event in this week’s Torah Portion gives us cause for pause. We’ll contemplate its implications regarding Jewish continuity.
Prior to its consecration, Moses erected and dismantled the Mishkan for seven consecutive days. The acts of erecting and dismantling signify Jewish history with its ups and downs. Regardless of how or when, the Jewish response to setbacks has been to rebuild. Moshe initially modeled this; thereby, a relentless force of determination was set into perpetual motion.
As noted above, Moses built and took apart the Mishkan seven times. The number seven has marked significance in Judaism. King Solomon stated in Proverbs: “Seven times a righteous person falls but rises.” After a fall or failure, rebuilding oneself serves to fortify the person. The righteous aren’t always born righteous—they become so. Even after falling and failing seven times, they get back up. Because of this trait, they ascend higher. Much like the erecting and dismantling of the Mishkan, this dynamic process develops resilience. Inner grit is actualized and revealed. We can easily be defeated by challenging circumstances. Conversely, we can choose to rise, despite them.
Moreover, the number seven symbolizes a complete cycle, such as the seven days of the week. Creation unfolded throughout a seven-day period. Seven signifies the finite world, which is governed by the laws of nature. However, the number eight represents the transcendence of natural laws. Therefore, the Mishkan was sanctified on the eighth day, following the seven days of erecting and dismantling it.
Moreover, the Mishkan and its components are said to have reflected all of creation as a microcosm of the higher spiritual worlds. It contained profound correspondence to both the soul and the human body. The Mishkan inspired the yearning for an infinite connection to that which transcends our finite lives. Its presence evoked an awe of God in the human heart and soul.
The very image of Moses tirelessly erecting and dismantling the Mishkan mirrors the steadfast resolve needed to navigate life’s ups and downs. But Moses could not have accomplished this alone. He needed God’s assistance, and so do we. Each of us can create a Godly sanctum within our hearts and souls. Studying the Torah and living by its precepts strengthens our inner resolve to do so.
Every failure is the prelude to new opportunities. No matter how many times you fall, lift yourself back up. Hold your head up high. Be aware that an ascent is in progress.
Think of what was once a difficult experience or situation for you.
