Living with Intention
An Insight for a Fulfilling Life
In Parashas Terumah, we begin to learn about the construction of the Mishkan and all its intricate details. While learning the parashah, I could not help but wonder - why Hashem provided such specific instructions instead of allowing us to be creative and innovative within a given framework?
The Mishkan is perhaps the only infrastructure on earth, other than Noach’s Teiva1 which is entirely designed by Hashem. Even the Beis Hamikdash was designed by men. What is the significance of this?
While there are many deep understandings of the Mishkan's design, I would like to focus on perhaps the simplest understanding.
While eating a salad, I had a realization about the precise shape and design of each vegetable. Vegetables contain a unique combination of valuable nutrients within a distinct, attractive form. Their intricate design is evidence of intelligent planning.
The world is a complex system with intricate designs that point to intelligent planning. From tiny atoms to massive galaxies, the natural world shows how everything is crafted to maintain a delicate balance. The variety of life, the interdependence of ecosystems, and the complexity of species all point to the idea that the world was created with a clear intention and purpose.
Intentionality and purpose can be observed in the design of vegetables, the natural world, and sacred spaces. The more we learn about the world around us, the more we can appreciate the intricate design and purposeful complexity of everything, ranging from tiny cells to vast galaxies.
The Mishkan, a microcosm of the world and perhaps parallel to the design of the human body2, was created with precise measurements, materials, and instructions, and every aspect was carefully planned. It was designed to reflect the middos of Hashem and to offer a place for us to connect with Him.
This concept is similar to the story of Purim, which teaches us to pay attention to the details, recognize the larger purpose behind seemingly random events, and act with intention.
We are all designers of our own lives and homes. We can learn from the intricate design of the Mishkan to create our own inner Mishkan and design our homes accordingly. By valuing the small details, we can make the most of our resources, time, and energy. Once we get into that habit, we can see the bigger picture and bring the middos of Hashem into our homes, leading to fulfilling lives.
For a full comparison of the Mishkan and the Teiva see https://www.herzog.ac.il/vtc/tvunot/mega51_frisch.pdf
As mentioned by Rav Moshe Dovid Vali, and likely other Sifrei Kabbala