Why are we here?
For millennia, people have asked the question: Why would G-d create this world? What's the purpose of it all?
We can deal with that 'macro' question by applying it to a more 'micro' scenario.
Why did G-d take the Jews out of Egypt? We all know that the Jews suffered horribly as slaves in Egypt, and we're so grateful that G-d took them out of that excruciating hellhole. But took them where? For what? Was it only about alleviating pain or was there an end goal that G-d had in mind?
That question was answered at Mount Sinai, when G-d gave us the Torah. As we stood at the mountain, G-d described how we could use our human liberty to lead meaningful human lives. Our purpose in freedom, and in life itself, was to imbue our humanity with the holiness of Torah living.
After the Sinai experience, G-d brought the answer even closer to home.
Which brings us to this weeks' Torah reading.
G-d told the Jews to build a Tabernacle (Mishkan in Hebrew), a structure in which they could commune with the Divine. In the Scripture’s language “And they shall make me a Sanctuary, and I will dwell within them”.
We believe that G-d is Omnipresent. G-d is the stuff of existence and pervades every iota of reality. G-d fills the heaves and the earth. So what’s the point of creating a ‘place for G-d to dwell’?
G-d’s primary objective in creation was to create a venue in which instinctively self-centered human beings could choose to reach beyond themselves to pursue purpose-driven lives; to touch the Divine. We have the golden opportunity to make space in ourselves for Higher living, for G-d.
G-d gave the Jews the opportunity to build a 'home' for Him, as a model for what we need to do in our everyday lives.
Take a moment. Think about what G-d needs from you to today. And welcome Him home.