When Moshe picked Betzalel to fashion the Mishkan, the Jews began to grumble: what was this, protektzia? But in fact, he taught them a lesson that would help them through every communal function and appointment – that no one is catapulted into a leadership position without the community’s agreement
This week in our parshah reading we come to the end of Sefer Shemos. Chazal who plumbed the depths of the Written Torah show us in startling human terms the various aspects of Bnei Yisrael’s acceptance of and interaction with Moshe Rabbeinu and his leadership of the people in the Wilderness. Studying their words we might give a little self-deprecating chuckle — we see that nothing has changed; all the insights regarding that era could just as well be applied to Jewish community life today.
Preparations for the building of the Mishkan included organizing a construction crew. And as soon as the foreman was appointed eyebrows were raised and people began voicing the usual reservations: “Why him of all people?”
Here is how the Midrash describes what happened behind the scenes:
“See Hashem has called by name Betzalel ben Uri ben Chur… He has filled him with the spirit of G‑d with wisdom understanding and knowledge of every craft” (Shemos 35:30-31).
Create a free account to keep reading.
