Vayakhel-Pikudei 5786 - Just One Small Step

Just One Small Step

The culmination of the Book of Shemos is the completion and erection of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Yet the Torah describes this event three separate times, each with slightly different wording:

1)   “On the day of the first new moon, on the first of the month you shall erect (תקים) the Mishkan, the Tent of Meeting.” (Shemos 40:2)

2)   “It was in the first month of the second year on the first of the month that the Mishkan was erected (הוקם).” (40:17).

3)   “Moshe erected (ויקם) the Mishkan.” (40:18).

This sequence is puzzling. Each verse presents a different subject. First, the command is directed to “you” (תקים). Then the Torah states passively that “the Mishkan was erected” (הוקם). Finally, the verse states that Moshe erected it (ויקם).

Why does the Torah shift between these descriptions? Moreover, the Mishkan was an enormous structure composed of heavy wooden planks and massive bars. How could Moshe alone have erected such a structure?

To answer these questions, the Kli Yakar (40:2) cites a Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 52:4). The Midrash explains that the craftsmen and wise men initially tried to assemble the Mishkan but were unable to do so. The structure was simply too complex and massive. Hashem then instructed Moshe to attempt the task.

When Moshe approached the components of the Mishkan, the Divine Presence rested upon him. Miraculously, the Mishkan rose into place. As the Midrash explains, it was not truly Moshe who erected the Mishkan; rather, miracles occurred and the structure stood on its own. This is why the Torah ultimately states, “the Mishkan was erected.”

According to the Midrash, the three verses now make sense. The command “you shall erect” refers to the people and the skilled craftsmen who first attempted the task. The verse “Moshe erected” describes Moshe beginning the process. But ultimately “the Mishkan was erected,” because Hashem miraculously caused it to stand.

The Kli Yakar derives a profound lesson from this episode. Human beings often face tasks that appear overwhelming. Projects seem too complicated, too difficult, or too time-consuming, and we sometimes abandon them before even beginning.

The Talmud (Kiddushin 30b) teaches that the Yetzer Hara often discourages us in precisely this way. It convinces us that the challenge is impossible, that the effort will fail, and that we should not even try. As a result, the most difficult step is often simply taking the first one. But the Torah teaches that when a person genuinely begins a worthy endeavor, Hashem provides assistance.

Many personal goals feel daunting. A person may want to begin studying Talmud but feels intimidated by its complexity. Yet if he simply decides to attend one class, he may discover a gifted teacher or meet a friend who helps him understand the material.

Similarly, a person may know that she should apologize to someone she has hurt but feels too embarrassed to reach out. Yet if she sends a simple message asking to speak, the other person may respond warmly, opening the door to reconciliation.

In many cases, the greatest obstacle to success lies within ourselves. The hardest step is overcoming hesitation and beginning the task. The story of the Mishkan teaches that even when a project seems impossible, our responsibility is simply to begin. When Moshe took the first step, Hashem caused the Mishkan to stand. Likewise, when we take the first step toward spiritual growth, Hashem helps us move forward. When we remember that Hashem helps those who begin the journey, we should not be afraid to take on the challenges in our lives

-Rabbi Avraham Garber