After describing the construction of the Mishkan, the Torah mentions Shmiras Shabbos. Ach Es Shabsosai Tishmoru. But, keep my Shabbos. The message is that despite the importance of building the Mishkan, it should not be built on Shabbos. Rashi says that despite the importance of building the Mishkan, it doesn’t override Shabbos. This is one of many Gemaros we learn and pass right by, ignoring its daily relevance.
Many Mitzvohs are presented as being of utmost importance. Tzitzis is equal to all the Mitzvohs, but so is Avoda Zara, Shabbos, and several others. Does that mean I can be Mechalel Shabbos to wear Tzitzis? To appreciate that many Mitzvohs overlap, Hashem discusses two Mitzvohs together, reminding us that we must also learn the guidelines to know which Mitzvohs take precedence over others. The Torah does the same with Kibud Av Va’eim and fear of Hashem and with Shabbos. Its goal is to remind us, when doing each Mitzvah, we must find the correct order.
Step back and look at the complete picture. Don’t build the Mishkan on Shabbos. Talmud Torah is K’neged Kulam, yet it is pushed aside for most Mitzvohs. Many people have no idea when Bein Odom Lamakom overrides Bein Odom Lachaveiro. They don’t know when to miss Minyan to help their family and when they must go to Minyan and figure out an alternative plan.
This Parsha teaches us that the course, and curriculum, exist. Where? Partly from observing your Rebbi, and, of course, from Seforim. What’s interesting is that this is discussed much more than you think. Just look for it.
