בס”ד
By Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
Painting by: Baruch Nachshon z”l
This parsha talks about the actual inauguration of the Mishkan, a prototype of the Beit Hamikdash. We also read this portion in conjunction with Pesach, when we are judged for sustenance according to our Sages, and the spring. This Shabbat, some even have the custom of baking challas in the form of a key and/or with a key inside the challa… The reason for this custom is to hint to the “key” of sustenance given by Hashem.
This painting exhibits the Beit Hamikdash in a spring setting, along with the third blessing of Birkat Hamazon, which thanks Hashem for His sustenance. Our Sages learned that the third blessing is tied to the Beit Hamikdash from the verse “you shall bless Hashem Your God for the good Land He has given you.” They say that blessing Hashem pertains to the first blessing, praising Hashem for His sustenance. “For the… Land” pertains to the second blessing, praising Hashem for giving us the Holy Land. “The Good [Land]” pertains to the third blessing for the concept “good” hints to the verse “the good mountain,” i.e Mount Moriah and the Beit Hamikdash there.
More deeply, these three blessings stand for three modes of blessing God for our sustenance, one by the heavenly aspect hinted to by the first blessing, one by the more earthly aspect hinted to by the second blessing, and one by an aspect that bridges heaven and earth, a matter achieved by the Beit Hamikdash, hinted to by the third blessing.
Indeed, this painting exhibits themes of bridging unity in the context of the Beit Hamikdash. We see strong dualism here suggesting the connection between opposite sides. We also see seven double lights [note also seven trees below] as if ascending in embrace together, forming “hearts” between their “wings” and also between their flames. The Arizal teaches that building the Holy Presence in Jerusalem follows from building the Holy Presence in Hebron. Hebron as well, as its name also suggests [hibur], stands for unity. Let us unite together with the light of the Holy Presence in our Holy Land and Holy Temple!