The Completion of the Mishkan and the Revelation of Divine Presence
The Mishkan teaches us to prepare for the final redemption, when Hashem’s presence will dwell among us openly.
The Holy One Blessed Be He! Welcome to Beit Yisrael International’s Voice of Torah Podcast! Today we’re exploring the profound insights of Parashat Pekudei. This portion is far more than a record of the Mishkan’s construction—it is a divine blueprint, a spiritual map that guides us from human effort (Miqdash), to divine revelation (Mishkan), and finally to the sacred meeting point with Hashem (Ohel Moed).
The Mishkan is not only a physical structure; it is a mirror of the universe and a reflection of the soul. It teaches us that Hashem’s presence rests where there is unity, humility, and a genuine desire to serve. In this light, every Israelite becomes a builder—not with gold or silver alone, but with Torah, mitzvot, and acts of kindness.
As the world prepares for the coming day when Hashem will fully dwell among us in the Third Beit HaMikdash, may each of us recognize the Mishkan that already exists within our soul. Let us continue to build that inner sanctuary with sincerity and love.
May we merit to witness the final Geulah, when the true Mishkan of Hashem will be revealed, above and below united, and His glory will shine forth in all the earth. Amen.
The Torah uses three distinct names for the Tabernacle: Miqdash (Sanctuary), Mishkan (Dwelling), and Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). Each of these names carries deep significance, revealing different aspects of our relationship with Hashem and the spiritual journey of Israel.
As the Nefesh HaChayim explains, the Mishkan is not only a physical structure—it is a model for our own souls, where Hashem’s presence can dwell.
I. Miqdash (מִקְדָּשׁ) – The Sanctuary: Elevating the Physical World
📖 Verse: “Let them make Me a Sanctuary (Miqdash) so that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8).
📜 Insights from the Sages:
Rashi (Exodus 25:8): The Mishkan was a consecrated place for Divine Service.
Ramban (Introduction to Terumah): The Mishkan was a continuation of Mount Sinai, a place where Hashem’s holiness could remain within Israel.
Midrash Tanchuma (Pekudei 11): The word Miqdash (from קדש, "holiness") teaches that its purpose was to elevate the mundane, turning physical objects (wood, gold, silver) into a channel for divine connection.
🔹 Kabbalistic Meaning:
Miqdash represents man’s effort to ascend toward Hashem (from below to above).
The Torah, mitzvot, and tefillah transform our actions into a vessel for holiness.
Zohar (II:222a): Every individual has a Miqdash within their soul, achieved through Torah study and mitzvot.
✦ Lesson:
We sanctify the world by using physical things for divine service, just as the materials of the Mishkan became holy.
II. Mishkan (מִשְׁכָּן) – The Dwelling: Hashem’s Presence Descends to Us
📖 Verse: “For the glory of Hashem filled the Mishkan” (Exodus 40:34).
📜 Insights from the Sages:
Rashi (Exodus 40:34): The Mishkan is called a Mishkan because it is the place where Hashem dwells among Israel.
Ramban (Exodus 25:1): The Mishkan is a manifestation of Hashem’s Shechinah, continuing the divine revelation at Har Sinai.
Zohar (I:231b): The word "Mishkan" (משכן) comes from "Shachen" (שכן), meaning “to dwell,” because it represents Hashem’s descent into this world.
🔹 Kabbalistic Meaning:
Mishkan represents Hashem’s approach to man (from above to below).
The Shechinah (Divine Presence) is drawn down into our world when we create a dwelling place for Hashem through Torah, mitzvot, and acts of kindness.
Zohar (III:114b): The Shechinah dwells in every righteous person, making each Israel a living Mishkan.
✦ Lesson:
We don’t just seek Hashem through effort; Hashem also descends to us, guiding us and dwelling within our lives.
III. Ohel Moed (אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד) – The Tent of Meeting: The Middle Point of Connection
📖 Verse: “And Moshe would enter the Tent of Meeting, and Hashem would speak with him” (Exodus 33:9).
📜 Insights from the Sages:
Onkelos (Targum on Exodus 27:21): Ohel Moed means “a temporary dwelling” (Mishkan Zimna), symbolizing our journey toward the permanent Beit HaMikdash.
Rabbeinu Bachya (Exodus 33:7): Ohel Moed is the meeting point between above and below—the balance between our efforts to ascend and Hashem’s descent into this world.
Talmud (Sotah 14a): The word Moed (מוֹעֵד) means “appointed time,” teaching that each person has an appointed moment for divine connection.
🔹 Kabbalistic Meaning:
Ohel Moed represents the fusion of the spiritual and physical—a meeting point where Hashem’s will is revealed.
Zohar (III:29b): This symbolizes the union of Zeir Anpin (masculine, spiritual light) and Nukvah (the recipient, physical vessel).
Chassidic Insight (Sfat Emet, Pekudei): Just as the Mishkan traveled through the desert, our souls journey through different challenges, yet in each place, we must set up an "Ohel Moed"—a space for divine connection.
✦ Lesson:
Life is a journey; even in difficult times, we must continue building our Ohel Moed, our connection to Hashem.
IV. The Three Names Reflect the Journey of the Soul
The three names of the Mishkan reflect the three stages of our spiritual service:
Name | Meaning | Direction | Kabbalistic Concept | Application in Life |
Miqdash | Sanctuary (Holiness) | Man Ascends Toward Hashem | Raising the physical world toward holiness | Torah, mitzvot, and prayer sanctify the mundane |
Mishkan | Dwelling (Hashem’s Presence) | Hashem Descends to Man | The Shechinah fills our world | Hashem’s presence is within us when we create a holy space |
Ohel Moed | Tent of Meeting (Connection) | Middle Ground – Divine Encounter | The fusion of divine light and physical reality | Even in challenges, we must maintain connection with Hashem |
✦ Final Lesson:
The Mishkan is not just an ancient structure—it represents our personal and national relationship with Hashem. Through holiness (Miqdash), divine presence (Mishkan), and continuous connection (Ohel Moed), we build our own sanctuary within.
The Mishkan and the Human Soul: The Inner Sanctuary
The Baal Shem Tov and Tanya (Likkutei Amarim 52) explain that the Mishkan is not just a place—it exists within each person. Every Israel is a "Mishkan for Hashem," with different parts of the Mishkan corresponding to parts of the human soul.
Part of the Mishkan | Corresponding Aspect of the Soul | Chassidic Insight |
Kodesh HaKodashim (Holy of Holies) | Neshama (Divine Soul) | The innermost essence of the Israel, always connected to Hashem. |
Menorah (Golden Lampstand) | Torah Wisdom & Illumination | The light of divine wisdom that brightens the soul. |
Shulchan (Table of Showbread) | Physical Sustenance & Divine Blessing | Even material life can be infused with holiness. |
Golden Altar (Incense Offering) | Tefillah (Prayer) | The fragrance of sincere prayer elevates the soul. |
Outer Courtyard | Body & Physical Actions | The external reality where mitzvot are performed. |
✦ Chassidic Lesson:
Our task in life is to make our inner Mishkan a place where Hashem’s presence dwells, by refining our thoughts, speech, and actions.
Final Thought:
The Mishkan is a map of the spiritual journey—from effort (Miqdash), to revelation (Mishkan), to the final meeting point with Hashem (Ohel Moed).
The world is preparing for the day when Hashem will dwell fully among us in the Third Beit HaMikdash, and every Israel will recognize the Mishkan within their soul.
May we merit the final Geulah soon! Amen.
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