Human Effort from Below - Heavenly Assistance from Above

by HaRav Dov Begon
Rosh HaYeshiva, Machon Meir

“In the first month of the second year of Yitziat Mitzrayim, on the first of the month, the Mishkan was erected. Moshe erected the Mishkan” (Shemot 40:17-18). Rashi comments: “No man could have erected the Mishkan due to the weight of the beams. No one was strong enough to raise them up, but Moshe succeeded. Moshe asked G-d, ‘How can the Mishkan be erected by a human being?’ G-d answered, ‘Do it with your own hands.’ Thus, it looked as though Moshe was rasing it up, while the Mishkan actually rose up by itself. That is why it says, ‘The Mishkan was erected.’ It was erected by itself.”

Rashi’s comments hint at a major principle - a man’s strength is limited, and sometimes the solutions to his problems are are as difficult to get off the ground as the Mishkan beams. Nonetheless, when we set out to deal with such challenges, we have to take into account the principle of Seyatah D'shmaya, that the Omnipotent G-d grants us strength greater than our own limited resources. When we make a human effort here on earth, G-d helps us from above.

In these times, we must take special care to learn from Moshe raising up the Mishkan beams with Seyatah D'shmaya. In the life of a nation, there are sometimes difficult enterprises that at first glance would seem impossible for us to get off the ground. Yet, when we strive here on earth, G-d helps us above and beyond our own powers. It was this way when we were establishing a state, as we fought - the few against the many - and succeeded. It is true today, as we are fighting a war for our existence and identity, and for our control over the Land. So too, it is true concerning the nation’s returning to its Jewish roots, as well as the challenges we face to create unity among us all and to increase the light of love and faith. Let us strive with devotion and determination here on earth, and may He who has lovingly chosen His people Israel assist us from above.

Besorot Tovot,
Looking forward to complete salvation,
With the Love of Am Yisrael and Eretz Yisrael,
Shabbat Shalom.