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By Rabbi Shloimie Lindenabaum
ששת ימים תעשה מלאכה (פרק לה פסוק ב)
As introduction to the building of the Mishkan, the Torah reminds us of our obligation to rest on Shabbos from any creative activity- the very ones that are done to build the Mishkan. The pasuk tells us, “six days your work shall be done, and the seventh day will be holy for you etc.” The way the Torah tells us about Shabbos is very odd, firstly, why does it need to say that the work should be done for six days- what does that have to do with resting on the seventh? Additionally, why does the pasuk say “your work shall be done”, and not “you shall do your work”? In the sefer Apiryon, R’ Shlomo Ganzfried explains that if someone believes that it is their hard work that makes them money, and Shabbos is limiting them and restricting their ability to do that, then it will be impossible for them to properly rest on Shabbos. They will constantly be frustrated and worried about their work. Only when someone recognizes that the true source of all their livelihood is Hashem, and only He will decide how much money a person receives, then they can rest properly on Shabbos. He will be calm knowing that he will never lose out by listening to Hashem and refraining from work. That is why the pasuk says that your work “shall be done” for six days. This indicates that it is not the person themselves amassing their wealth by doing work, rather “it is done”- Hashem is the one “doing the work” and giving a person their share. The mitzvah of Shabbos needs this introduction because only with this knowledge can one truly fulfill their obligation of resting on Shabbos.
ראו קרא ה’ בשם בצלאל בן אורי בן חור (פרק לה פסוק ל)
Moshe declares to Klal Yisroel, “see that Hashem has called in the name of Betzalel, son of Uri, son of Chur”, to be filled with incredible wisdom and to be appointed as architect of the Mishkan. Why is Betzalel’s lineage traced back to his grandfather? Also, why did Moshe preface this declaration with “see”? R’ Eliyahu Lopian explains that Chur, the grandfather of Betzalel, tried to stop the Jews from making the Golden Calf, and lost his life doing so. It was because of this incredible מסירת נפש, self-sacrifice, that his grandson merited to build the Mishkan. This is why he is traced back to Chur in reference to the Mishkan. I believe that this explains the expression “see”. Chur took a risk by protesting against the Klal, and he seemed to have lost the battle. He apparently gave up his life in vain, Klal Yisroel ended up making the Calf and sinning terribly with it. Perhaps Moshe is telling Klal Yisroel- see, and take to heart that Hashem doesn’t let any action go unrewarded. “See”- Betzalel is chosen to receive the highly-coveted job of chief architect because of Chur’s mitzvah. Remember that everything we do is observed and repaid by Hashem.
