There is one Torah portion dedicated to the creation of the world, three portions dedicated to receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai, 11 to the story of the Exodus, and 13 dedicated to the building of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle.

You have certainly seen legal documents, which, to the layperson, seem to go on and on about the same concepts ad infinitum. There is so much verbiage that most people can’t be bothered to read the contracts that they are signing.

The precise language around the construction of the Mishkan, its vessels and accouterments are a contract of sorts between G-d and the Jews. G-d will dwell amongst us, will shower us with infinite blessings, while we create a home, a space where the Divine presence can feel comfortable in this physical world. G-d doesn’t leave it up to human creativity or error, He tells us precisely how we may accomplish this.

We may ask ourselves the question, why does it matter so much, why can’t we just show up with open hearts and positive mindsets, is G-d so fickle?

We are limited creations who cannot understand the impact of our actions in this world. We can intend to do the right thing, show up with the willingness to serve G-d with all of our heart and soul, and still make the wrong choice. This is because we cannot understand the extent of the impact that we have upon the very fabric of creation.

The Torah teaches us exactly how to create a positive energetic impact within our lives and within the world. We can use the energy gained from eating a wholesome meal to study Torah or to do an act of loving-kindness. If that meal was kosher, then the energy is elevated to a place of holiness and reveals G-d’s presence within the world. If the meal was not-kosher, then it doesn’t matter how meaningful or intentional the action was, the energy gained from that food is not elevated by the positive action. Of course, one may repent and thereafter the negative energy is transformed to good.

Therefore, G-d did not leave it up to chance when it came to the dwelling of the Divine presence within the world. He made sure that no detail was left unclarified. We, as Jews, each contain a miniature Divine dwelling place within us, we are vessels for drawing down Divine light into this world. When we follow the Torah, the G-dly contract, as precisely as possible, we draw down tremendous blessings upon us, our families, and the entire world.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Zushe Cunin