They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell amidst them (25:8)
G-d desired a dwelling place in the lower realms. (Midrash Tanchuma, Naso 16)
This is what man is all about; this is the purpose of his creation and of the creation of all the worlds, higher and lower--that there be made for G-d a dwelling in the lower realms. (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi)
When you invite someone to your home, you prepare by thinking of the different ways you can make them feel “at home”, be it their favorite food, a comfortable seat, a pleasant conversation…
When we are aware of the goal of every Jew, which is spelled out in this Parsha, which is to make this world a “home” for Hashem, it gives purpose to our every thought, speech and action. If we stop and think: “Will this make Hashem comfortable in His World?”, making the right choice becomes a simpler task.
What a gift to a child—to have a guiding principle behind his/her choices. Children are very aware of Hashem’s OmniPresence (“Up, up, down, down, right, left and all around…”) and when they know of their job, that is, to make Hashem comfortable EVERYWHERE, it is the foundation for life.
This Shabbos, point out to your children the different things that make you feel comfortable and cozy at home. Encourage them to share as well. Let that be a springboard for the conversation of “What do you think makes Hashem comfortable in our house? Our thoughts? Our mouths when we speak?”
May the world truly reflect an abode for Hashem with the coming of Moshiach Now!