This week’s Torah portion tells us that the Jews contributed to the Tabernacle based on the motivation of their heart, (35:5,22). “everyone whose heart motivates him…” This however, was not just the raw materials but also the necessary efforts of constructing, sewing, weaving, etc. to actually construct the various parts of the Tabernacle. Each part of the Tabernacle was built with extraordinary skill. The women, for example, were able to weave the hair directly off the goat’s backs while the animal was still alive. The coverings of the Tabernacle were made from tapestries that had images of lions on one side and on the reverse side had images of eagles.

The Jewish people were able to create the most intricate and complicated elements and pieces that would comprise the Tabernacle. But how? These were the people who had just come from back-breaking work in Egypt. They had no prior training or skill set to draw from.

Lesson:

The Torah tells us the answer: whoever’s heart motivated him. Our commentaries explain that the Jews did not possess the necessary skill set and talent to make the Tabernacle. However, their desire to create and contribute to building the Tabernacle – a place for God’s Presence to dwell in this world – was so great that God filled in whatever skill was necessary for them to accomplish this goal. The Jews’ hearts were so filled with love and excitement to be close to God that they jumped at the opportunity to serve Him, regardless of whether they thought they could accomplish the end goal.

Often times, we have lofty ideas or get inspired and want to help or start something but then rationalize ourselves out of it: do I really have enough time, can I really get this done, do I really think I can do this, maybe it’s not really necessary, etc. However, God is showing us that if we are doing something in the service of God, to make the world a better, brighter place, then it doesn’t matter what objective setbacks we face – God will help fill in whatever is necessary to accomplish the goal. If our hearts are motivated – our desire to create a Tabernacle and bring God into our lives and everything we do – then all objective limitations are completely obliterated. God will fill in whatever is necessary to accomplish our goal because He wants nothing more than to be here, in this world, in our lives and our hearts with us.

Exercise: If you’ve wanted to take something on in the past but it seemed too big, know that with G-d’s help you’ll be able to accomplish it. Move towards that goal and see the miracles unfold.