March 26, 2024
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March 26, 2024
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A Thought on the Parsha

The Mishkan and chiddush are one and the same. That’s because wherever God resides, innovation is a constant. In this week’s parsha we are told that Betzalel was infused with chochma, tevuna, daat and “all his melacha.” Rashi clearly delineates that chochma is what you learn from others, tevuna is what you can understand on your own based on the knowledge you have, and daat is ruach hakodesh. What is “all” melacha?

The fact that Shabbos is mentioned right after the Mishkan gives a clue. Shabbos reminds one of the creation of the world. When Creation took place, there were two types of chiddush: the first being that from days one to six new and original entities were formed in the world that didn’t exist before, and the second being that from day seven and on there would be a continuous renewal of the world on a moment-by-moment basis so that the world wouldn’t collapse.

What word does the Torah use for this type of chiddush? Melacha, as it’s delineated that God finished His melacha on the seventh day. Therefore, Betzalel, who had in his hands the secrets of creation, possessed “all” of the melacha; namely, the ability to be mechadesh, the quintessential skill needed to house the most creative entity.

Steven Genack
Passaic
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