The Building of the Mishkan: A Paradigm for Community Service

Betzalel was a giant of a person in a generation of great people. Although he was just a teenager, he possessed the intellectual capacity and talent to serve as the architect for the Mishkan. As the central figure with Moshe Rabeinu, his contribution was not just limited to the work of someone who erects buildings, but he also had the spiritual capacity to endow the Mishkan with kedusha to the point that it was worthy to house HaShem’s presence on Earth. This was the message that HaShem conveyed to Moshe Rabeinu with the intent that he share it with the nation. HaShem said “I have filled him with the Spirit of HaShem, and with wisdom, and with understanding and with the capacity for prophecy and with every work”.

In addition to Betzlel’s greatness in intellect, holiness and architectural talent, Chazal tell us that he was endowed with the gift of leadership. We are told that when it comes to the appointment of a leader in Israel HaShem Himself makes the public announcement. Upon His announcement of Betzalel, Moshe Rabeinu and the people concurred that HaShem’s choice was proper.

If at this point one would still question his appointment, Betzalel’s lineage would be considered the “icing on the cake”. His great grandparents were Calev and Miryam from the tribes of Yehuda and Levi. His grandfather was Chur, who gave his life instead of caving into the pressures of a misguided nation. From these three giants he was nurtured to be mesiras nefesh for the Torah and it was part of his DNA.

In light of Betzalel’s outstanding profile it is most noteworthy that prior to the Torah announcing his appointment, HaShem commanded through Moshe Rabeinu that every person who was worthy to be called a Chacham Lev- wise-hearted that had at least some ability to contribute to the building of the Mishkan also had an obligation to participate if need be. That means, because the commandment to them preceded the command to Betzalel, there was an implied message that despite Betzalel’s future appointment and his vast array of advantages, they were just as obligated in the building of the Mishkan as Betzalel. If at anytime he was unable to perform his duties or for some other reason, they were expected to step into his role.

HaRav Moshe Feinstein, ZT”L conveyed from this Torah insight that the obligation to build and maintain institutions of Torah rest on all of Klal Yisroel and not just on its leaders. He explained, that although in Torah Communities there is an assumption that the leaders will take the lead role in communal affairs and every other capable individual will need the following mindset, “In a place where there is no one else, step up and fulfill the leadership role. Ultimately, communal needs are never the responsibility of one individual but of the entire community. 

The concept of community and peoples’ obligation toward it is something that needs to be nurtured in our youth. Recognizing that you are part of a community and there are expectations placed upon its membership is not a natural mindset. Children often see themselves as just one of many children that attend the same schools and whose families daven in the same shuls. These thoughts may eventually promote some loyalty to the school or shul but not usually as an integral member of the institution’s community.  Parents, Rebeyiim and teachers need to discuss the idea of community and the role a Jew has for Tzarchei Tzibur- the needs of the community with their children. When they are old enough involving them in volunteering at community social service organizations and being involved in raising funds for these organizations on Purim and other times in the year are experiential chinuch opportunities that enable children to broaden their horizons.

There is another practical and powerful strategy that can help children become more community minded. Schools should promote the notion that classrooms of children are essentially communities and the entire school is one large community. Rebeyiim and teachers need to accept as part of their role to be community leaders. In that capacity, they serve as the community planner and the one who develops and shares the values of community with the children. Research and experiences bear out that a classroom, which is run as a community fosters better behavior in children, better social climate and greater motivation towards academic achievement.

Chazal speak in the loftiest terms regarding people who give of themselves and become dedicated to the community-tzarchei tzibur. We are reminded of the beautiful prayer that we recite each Shabbos morning. The promises that HaShem makes for anyone who participates in communal work for the sake of enhancing His name and the glory of the Torah are vast. What else would we want for our children and ourselves?