* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
"יְהִי רָצוֹן שֶׁתִּשְׁרֶה שְׁכִינָה בְּמַעֲשֵֹה יְדֵיכֶם".
“May God’s Shechinah (spirit) rest upon you”
It is one of the most beautiful blessings one can possibly receive. The people of Israel invested so much time and effort in the building of the mishkan (sanctuary), the spiritual center that accompanied them in the desert. They donated precious metals and jewelry, worked with diligence and dedication, and in this week’s parasha, Pekudei, the work is finally completed.
Rashi explains that Moshe Rabbeinu blesses the people with these words: “May it be God’s will that the Shechinah rest upon your handiwork.”
This magnificent blessing encapsulates a multi-layer message: You (the people of Israel) have not just built a beautiful building. You have built a sanctuary that will represent the highest values and be filled the presence of God. I bless you that you should see the noble value of your physical labor— how every shekel, nail, and drop of sweat has created a holy edifice and that your efforts should bring blessing, light, and redemption to the world.
We too are called upon to direct our efforts in this world towards a higher purpose. May the Shechinah rest upon us and crown our efforts with success.
