Vayakhel: Utilizing Unique Talents to Serve the Creator
Vayakhel: Utilizing Unique Talents to Serve the Creator
This Torah portion, describes how the Israelites, especially the women, contributed to building the Tabernacle. A remarkable example was their skill in spinning goat hair for the Tabernacle's curtains. They spun the wool directly from the living goats, an extraordinary and voluntary act, driven by their desire to offer the very best to G-d.
The women believed that offering something from a living creature, like spinning wool from a live goat, was a superior form of offering, akin to a sacrifice. This method also produced better results, as the wool, still connected to the goat, was softer.
This could teach us a valuable lesson. One should use his unique talents to serve G-d and make the world a better place. Just as they used their exceptional spinning skills for the Tabernacle, we should use our talents to add holiness to the world. Similarly, material wealth should be used to increase acts of charity and kindness.
The women's dedication even influenced the Tabernacle's construction sequence. Normally, the boards would have been made first, but in this case, the inner curtains were prioritized before the exterior walls. This was done to minimize discomfort to the goats, demonstrating that even in sacred matters, preventing suffering is paramount.
This biblical story holds key messages not only for Jews but for Noahides as well. The Seven Noahide Commandments prohibit causing unnecessary animal suffering. The fact that G-d altered the Tabernacle's construction to avoid harming the goats emphasizes the importance of avoiding causing animals suffering. It teaches that we should use any unique skill to serve G-d.
Each person possesses unique, G-d-given talents. These gifts are intended to be used for the betterment of the world, and spiritual growth. By utilizing these talents, we contribute to the eventual rebuilding of the Third Holy Temple, a structure that will surpass the Tabernacle in its spiritual significance, and the sole pursuit of the entire world will be the knowledge of G-d."
Source: Likutei Sichos Vol. 16, p. 449.
Rabbi Moshe Bernstein is the author of the book:
Stories of Faith for Noahides
Inspiring Stories for Noahides from the Righteous of all Generations