In this parsha, Parashat Pekudei, we complete the making of the Mishkan. A detailed accounting of the gold, silver, and copper donations for the Mishkan's construction is made. Bezalel, Oholiab, and their assistants create all the parts of the Mishkan, as well the eight priestly garments, as instructed by Hashem to Moshe. Once completed, the Mishkan and its components are brought to Moshe, who anoints it and initiates Aaron and his sons as priests. A cloud then appears over the Mishkan, symbolizing the Divine Presence and G-d's approval.

As Rashi explains, Moshe went to Bezalel and asked him to build the Mishkan and the vessels inside it. Moshe instructed Bezalel to make the vessels and then the walls of the Mishkan. But Bezalel asked Moshe, “Shouldn't we build the walls and the structure of the Mishkan first, because it's better to build the building before the furniture?” Moshe then tells Bezalel that he is right and that is how G-d had instructed him to build it. 

Sometimes we have to think beyond what we are taught in order to discover the deeper meaning behind the words. Bezalel was only told by Moshe what to do but still understood the deeper meaning in what G-d meant with those instructions. We have to be like Bezalel. Sometimes things that happen to us are not clear and might seem a little confusing.  In order to break out of that state of mind we have to think deeper and strive to find the deeper meaning of the situation. And by finding the deeper meaning we are able to get ourselves out of that state.

We can use this in our own lives. If we have a difficult school task, for example, we may  feel overwhelmed and that it is too difficult. If we try to understand the deeper meaning behind the task, to grow your knowledge and become a better student, then taking action and doing the task becomes easier since we have a motive and a deeper understanding  behind the task. And this is not only for school, this could be applied for all areas of life: success in the workforce; becoming better at sports or hobbies; and achieving success in friendships. In the long run, if we keep on searching for this deeper understanding of our work then we will feel more confident about setting goals and fulfilling our full potential.  

Shabbat Shalom.

Noam, Grade 9