This week’s Torah portion, Pekudei, is the fifth and final Torah portion which discusses in detail the Tabernacle. We are told of Hashem’s command to Moshe to build each of its individual vessels and each of the priestly garments, which were needed for the Kohanim to serve in the Mishkan. The Torah also tells us of the Jew’s donations in order to carry this out. Furthermore, we are also told that the Jews actually carried out these commands and succeeded in constructing the Mishkan according to Hashem’s commands.
Our Parshah begins telling us that they took inventory of all of the materials which were donated. Our Torah portion begins that[1] “These are the numbers of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of the Testimony, which were counted at Moshe’s command …” Rashi cites the words “these are the numbers,” and explains that this refers to taking inventory. He explains that “In this Parshah, all the weights of the donations for the Mishkan were counted; (including those) of silver, of gold, and of copper. All its implements for all of its work were (also) counted.”
This verse seems to present a difficulty. Why does it say “the Mishkan, the Mishkan of the Testimony,” repeating the word Mishkan? Rashi cites the words “the Mishkan, the Mishkan,” and explains that the word Mishkan is written “twice. This alludes to the Temple, which was taken as collateral (the Hebrew word ‘Mashkon’[2]) by the two destructions[3], for Israel’s sins.”
We need to understand; why does the Torah choose to allude to the destruction of both Temples here? We are discussing the building of the Mishkan.
The explanation is, that in this manner the Torah is telling us that the Bais Hamikdosh is actually eternal. When one gives a security deposit in order to borrow money, it does not cease to exist. It is merely transferred temporarily from the borrower’s domain to that of the lender.
The same is true of the Bais Hamikdosh. Despite the fact that it was destroyed, it did not cease to exist. Due to our sins, Hashem held it as security. When the situation warranted, He returned it to us. This repeated itself yet a second time. However, with the coming of Moshiach it will be returned to us eternally.
Wishing one and all a good Shabbos!
Rabbi Shmuel Mendelsohn
Adapted from Likkutei Sichos Volume 11, Page 175
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR FATHER
Mr. Sholom Moshe ben Reb Shlomo Meir
Hacohen ע”ה Cohen
Passed away Shabbos Parshas Beshalach,
13 Shevat, 5779
May His Soul be bound in the Eternal Bond of Life
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DEDICATED BY HIS FAMILY
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לעילוי נשמת
ר’ שלום משה בן ר’ שלמה מאיר הכהן ע”ה כהן
נפטר ש”ק פ’ בשלח, י”ג שבט, ה’תשע”ט
ת. נ. צ. ב. ה.
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יו”ל ע”י בני משפחתו שיחיו
[1]. Our Parshah, Shemos 38:21.
[2]. The Hebrew words משכן – Tabernacle, and משכון – Security, are both almost identical. Rashi appears to be saying that they are related to each other.
[3]. The destruction of the first and second Temple.
The Rebbe Teaches Rashi 