Pause

A thought on embracing reflection, assessing our actions, and pursuing purposeful living for a promising future.

The Jewish people are gathered together, awaiting Moshe Rabbeinu's delivery of the grand plan of the Mishkan and eagerly anticipating its unveiling. For the past 2.5 Parashiyos, Moshe has been learning the plan from Hashem, and now it is time to relay it to the people. Despite the excitement surrounding this momentous occasion, Moshe begins by emphasizing the importance of observing Shabbos, before delving into the fundraising pitch and assembly instructions for the dwelling place of God. Why does Moshe start off with the sanctity of Shabbos instead of starting like Hashem did with the fundraising pitch of the Mishkan, after all we already knew about Shabbos from Sinai?

In his sefer Mei HaShiloach, the Izhbitzer teaches us¹ that Shabbos serves as a reminder that before undertaking any action, one must have a clear understanding that it aligns with the will of Hashem. Otherwise, it is not permissible to proceed with that action.

He teaches further;² The Torah tells us that  “A man shall fe…