Two-Line Torah: Pekuday 5776–Details

This week’s parasha, Pekuday, closes out the book of Shemot (Exodus) The past few chapters have been extremely detailed about the building of the Mishkan (tabernacle). In fact, a little less than half of the book of Shemot (Exodus) is dedicated to explanation and execution of the building of the Mishkan.

At the end of the parasha, once all the Israelites have given their gifts to help make the beautiful Mishkan, the presence of God can finally come down and dwell with the people of Israel, to guide them on their journey through the desert.

Sometimes in our work, we can focus on the end result, when everything comes together. However, if we take the time to not just rush through the details, but really find the joy within working on each detail, the process and the product will both be beautiful and meaningful. Perhaps we can try to bring the presence of that which is sacred into each detail, so that it can truly fill all that we work towards.

Don’t just work through the details, make them beautiful. That way each individual piece, as well as the final product, may be joyous and sacred.

Rabbi Dana Benson is Senior Jewish Educator at MSU Hillel.