Vayakhel

A pivotal phrase in this week’s parasha is when the Torah describes the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle).  God makes no demands of the people to bring forward items to be used in its construction.  Rather, He says, “those whose hearts move them.”  
When is your heart moved?  What things cause you to feel the rush of meaning and purpose?
In Orchot Tzaddkim, a book on learning to become more spiritual, we are taught that whenever you do something purposeful, not for self-interest but for the sake of the other, we approach this sense of fulfillment.  Further, when we reach even more deeply inward and act knowing we are doing what God wants us to do, we become spiritually expansive.  Our soul soars and we know what it means to be whole.
We often look for spiritual highs by gratifying our self - gorging, drinking buying, scouting for new technologies to purchase - but these “highs” are ephemeral.  What gives lasting meaning to our lives is when we feel our hearts move towards something infinitely greater than ourselves.
The Torah begs us to think about providing opportunities for our heart to be moved.  Note that this is nowhere commanded; you cannot demand that someone elevate their soulful existence!  But we are proffered the opportunity through the example in this week’s parasha.

Do something great.  Do in for the sake of God.  Let your heart sing.   Don’t let this moment pass.  Let your heart thrill.

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