בס”ד
By Rabbi Moshe Goodman, Kollel Ohr Shlomo, Hebron
Painting by: Baruch Nachshon z”l
In this parsha the actual building of the Mishkan the prototype of the Beit Hamikdash is discussed. This painting’s central theme is the Beit Hamikdash, We see that tefillin are strongly connected to the Beit Hamikdash here. The tefillin are surrounded by a yellow crown which suggests the idea of “keter/the crown of tefillin.” We can also say that the Beit Hamikdash is the “crown” of location, i.e the holiest site upon earth. Moreover, the Beit Hamikdash is called a “house/bayit” and so are the tefillin. The Beit Hamikdash is also called Zion which means “tziun” a sign, meaning that it signifies the resting Place of the Holy Presence. Similarly, the tefillin are called a “sign” – “ot.” They also contain holy parchments that are signs of Israel’s devotion to Hashem. Even the external facets of the tefillin are also a sign, as our Sages teach that the shins of the head-tefillin box are signs to foreign nations that Hashem’s Name is called upon Israel. The Holy Presence of the Beit Hamikdash is also hinted to by the seven lights, divided into two groups of the three and a seventh light, similar to the Menora, for our Sages say that the Menora was a sign that the Holy Presence rests with Israel.
We see twelve trees upon earth which seem to symbolize the twelve tribes scattered upon the earth of the Land of Israel, but yet make pilgrimage to the Beit Hamikdash. We see two Hasidim blowing the shofar and a gazelle blowing a third shofar to the bottom left. These may hint to the three upper sefirot Hochma, Bina, and Da;at, associated with the mind and consciousness. The connection may be that the shofar is the instrument of repentance, a matter that awakens the mind to the service of the Hashem, and also the tefillin here are signs of devotion to Hashem as mentioned.
According to the Arizal also Hebron is called Zion (Shaar Hapsukin SHMUEL). Indeed, Hebron is a slo a “sign” of the Holy Presence, where, as the midrash teaches, Adam and the Patriarchs discovered the Holy |Presence, and consequently decided it would be there burial spot.