Tag: end of days

A Concerted Effort

The achronim yomim (end of days) are upon us, and the footsteps of Moshiach (Messiah) are evident in the sands of time. This is the last generation, as is mentioned in kitvei kodesh (holy scripture), “the generation to come…” shall praise the L-RD: (Psalms 102:19). Yet, the unrighteous shall continue in their ways, as the righteous strive to become more holy and devoted to the L-RD. The lines are being drawn, and we are called to return to Him with all of our heart and soul (Deuteronomy 30:2).

Where do each of us stand, as individuals before our Creator? This question is more important in our lives, than the many questions that we might ask ourselves in regard to the calamities of the world. Not that these other questions should remain unasked; the answers may help us to look past the apparent chaos on the surface toward the import of these events as a whole. Yet, they can also serve, unfortunately, as distractions from our path in life, as human beings created in the image of G-d and given the divine blueprint of life.

As mankind assembles upon earth to recreate the world, this is being done according to man’s image and design, relegating G-d and his divine plan to be cancelled out from the public domain. Yet, G-d is not a concept, nor an idea that can be forgotten, as if it is no longer tenable, in the eyes of His own Creation. He exists inasmuch that He does, outside time and space, watching over His creation, and yearning for our return to Him.

The acknowledgment of a Creator allows for the subsequent acceptance of responsibility to follow in His ways, prescribed for mankind since the beginning of time, when Adam and Eve lived in harmony with the Creation in Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden). We were commanded to be stewards of the earth, in service to the Creator (Genesis 1:28; 2:15).

Within the framework of having been placed in the Garden of Eden, serving G-d in obedience fosters the harmony between us and His creation. Having stepped out of line, the harmony was broken. Mankind’s reconciliation with His Maker today is necessary to regain the lost paradise on earth that He originally intended for mankind.

Yet, this cannot be done unilaterally on our own, without His blueprint for humanity; nor, without spiritual assistance through the grace bestowed upon the soul who aspires to reach out to Him and yearns for the peace that cannot be taken away by the brokenness of the world, nor even our own brokenness. This peace cannot be given to us through any external means, nor brought about by the designs of mankind for a utopia, irrespective of the original intentions of His Creator. Let us return to the original design for our lives, through a reconciliation with G-d.

G-d’s Architect

parashas Vayakhel 5782

“The Lord, by wisdom, founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens. By His knowledge the depths were broken up and the skies drop down the dew” (Proverbs 3:19-20, JPSN). These three qualities, wisdom, understanding, and knowledge were imbued in the heart of Bezalel, “And I have filled him with the spirit of G-d, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship” (Exodus 31:3; Berachos 55).

The sages say of Betzalel that he was capable of using the letters of the alphabet of the Holy Tongue in a manner similar to the way G’d had used them when creating the universe (Sforno). How remarkable to note this comparison. The building of the Mishkan was like unto the creation of the world. And, how remarkable that the chosen craftsman for overseeing the construction of the Mishkan was given qualities inspired by the Ruach Elokim (G-d’s Spirit).

We should marvel at the construction of the Mishkan, as well as the Creation of the World. G-d’s Creation is a masterpiece beyond compare; yet, reflected in the Mishkan. Our appreciation of the Mishkan, although we only have the written account, should compel us all the more to appreciate G-d’s Creation. For, “the heavens declare the glory of G-d, the sky proclaims His handiwork” (Psalms 19:2, JPS 2006 Tanach). King David compares the orderliness of the heavens, and the sun in particular to the perfectness of Torah (Psalms 19:3-10).

“And in the hearts of all the wise-hearted, I have placed wisdom.” – Exodus 31:6

The builders of the Mishkan were also imbued with wisdom. Through Torah, we learn of the right ways to interact, harmonize, and build the world, bringing G-d’s perfection of creation into every part and parcel of our lives. May we continue this endeavor, in the face of adversity, chaos, and the imbalances currently found within societies around the world. H’Shem will grant us an assurance of tomorrow’s promises, when we focus on His Kingdom being established through Moshiach. And, the Torah will go out from Zion as is written:

“And it shall come to pass in the end of days, that the mountain of the L-RD’s house shall be established as the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many peoples shall go and say: ‘Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the L-RD, to the house of the G-d of Jacob; and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.’ For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the L-RD from Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2-3, JPS 1917 Tanach).