Hammer Time by Rabbi Shalom Hammer
 Vayakhel-Pekudei 5766

These Parshiyot discuss the design and construction of both the Mishkan and the utensils that service it. The Mishkan and its utensils were hekdesh, which means that they could only be used for avodat hakodesh. The isur of Meila prohibits one from using hekdesh for a purpose unrelated to the Mishkan. The Gemara Menachot asks that when klal yisrael were in the process of constructing the mishkan, inevitably, they would commit Meila. For example, if someone rested on one of the beams or sat under a beam for protection from the sun, they were benefiting from the materials of the Mishkan. How then would Klal Yisrael avoid transgressing Meila during the construction of the Mishkan?

The Gemara answers,
“Bonin bechol veachar kach mekadshin”. During its construction, the Mishkan or its materials were not reserved for kedusha. Only upon its completion was the Mishkan designated for servicing Hashem and considered hekdesh. Therefore, while the Mishkan was built, it was permissible to benefit from its raw materials. Once the physical work and hard labor was completed then the spiritual attributes of the Mishkan manifested themselves. This is when the Mishkan became the dwelling place of Hashem,
“Veasu li mikdash veshachanti betocham”.

Rav Shhlomo Aviner, Rosh Yeshiva of Ateret Kohanim and one of the forefront leaders of Religious Zionism in Israel, explains that bonin bechol veachar kach mekadshin, teaches us that holiness is a gradual process, often preceded by physical characteristics. Sometimes one cannot recognize what the spirituality has to offer without first engaging in the physical world. After one has constructed and invested physical energy in a project the results and benefits are appreciated that much more. Conceptually, explains Rav Aviner, this applies to Eretz Yisrael as well. It is difficult at times to recognize spiritual progress in Eretz Yisrael. The religious environment and spiritual temperament in Eretz Yisrael is far from realized. Yet, Eretz Yisrael is where the shechina resides and the principle of, bonin bechol veachar kach mekadshin, applies to the land much like it applied to the Mishkan. The greatness of Eretz Yisrael is that all of its developments, including its physical ones, ultimately accentuate its divine relevance. Eretz Yisrael offers people an opportunity to contribute physically and reap the benefits spiritually.

When we experience the challenges of building Eretz Yisrael it can be discouraging. However, we should recognize that we are bonin bechol, constructing that which appears mundane, in order to create a permanent dwelling for Hashem and His people. This will help us fulfill the mitzvah, Veasu Li Mikdash Veshachanti Betocham.

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Rabbi Shalom Hammer lives in Israel and is currently on shlichut serving as Rabbi of Beth Jacob Congregation Columbus Ohio. Rabbi Hammer is a member of the IDF Rabbinate and is a popular teacher in many institutions in Israel for both Israeli and American students. Rabbi Hammer’s unique experiences have enabled him to lecture and serve as a Scholar in Residence in many communities throughout the United States.
Rabbi Hammer can be reached at 614-542-7644 or shalom@bjcolumbus.org

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