And Moshe said to the Children of Israel, “See, Hashem has called by name Betzalel, son of Uri, son of Chor, from the Tribe of Yehudah. He imbued him with a Godly spirit, wisdom, understanding, knowledge — and in every craft.” (35:31-32)
The Torah testifies that Hashem granted Betzalel a “Godly spirit, wisdom, understanding, knowledge —and in every craft.”[1] Yet the Torah then says that Betzalel “thought thoughts,” which implies, writes Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapira, that Betzalel still needed to use his own mind to create the Mishkan. If Hashem filled him with all the knowledge and skills that were needed, what did Betzalel need to think about?
Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapira answered that even with all the knowledge in the world, Betzalel still needed to use his own creativity in applying those talents in the most effective way.[2] Essentially, therefore, it was Betzalel’s creativity which contributed towards the building of the Mishkan — the place where Hashem would be most manifest in the world.[3]
So too, each of us have been granted incredible and unique talents and tools to make Hashem’s presence more manifest in the world. Yet, it is still up to us to reveal those skills and work out how to apply them. Perhaps the Torah is teaching us in this verse that the way to do this is to “think thoughts” — contemplate how we can use our abilities and creativity to bring Godliness to the world. In fact, Rav Chaim Shmuelevits would often repeat this message when he spoke before Neila on Yom Kippur, that anyone who has not lost at least one night’s sleep over Hashem’s lack of presence in the world and what he can do about it has no place standing before Hashem on this Holy day.
SHORT VORT, Rabbi Moshe Kormornick. Published by Adir Press. $9.99 in stores worldwide and online here
Whether you are looking for something meaningful on the Parsha, an uplifting thought for Yom Tov, or have been asked to speak at a Simcha – “Short Vort” is the book for you! With over 140 incredible short vorts packed with stories and valuable life messages, you will never be lost for something inspiring to say.
Rabbi Moshe Kormornick is a popular writer whose words are enjoyed by thousands of readers every week.
