Restoring The Divine Presence In Troubled Times

Dear Editor,

This week’s parshiyot, VaYakhel and Pekudei, which focus on the building of the Mishkon, conclude Sefer Sh’mot, described by the Ramban as the “Sefer of Ge’ulah.” It is therefore no surprise that these parshiyot contain powerful insights that can guide us toward meriting the Final Redemption.

This year, as the parshiyot are read together, the very first aliyah includes passuk 35:21. According to the Ba’al HaTurim, this verse contains a striking allusion to the contrast between the ability of righteous women to bring the Shechinah into the Mishkon, on the one hand, and the role of derelict leadership in the pre-messianic era in driving away the Shechinah by leading the tzibbur to sin — as described in heartbreaking detail in Yechezkel, perek 34.

Perhaps the juxtaposition of these polar opposites — both relating to the ultimate restoration of the Divine Presence among the Jewish People — serves to encourage those striving to remain on the proper path in confusing times. If individuals sincerely pursue Truth, they will ultimately find it. Indeed, the challenges posed by misguided leadership should awaken us from apathy and spiritual lethargy and motivate us to seize the opportunities before us.

How can individuals counteract the harmful influence of faulty communal leadership? One way is by being mezakeh the rabbim — leading by example (see the Binyan Yehoshua in his preface to Avos DeRebbe Nosson).

And opportunities for such zikkui haRabbim abound.

Recently, prominent members of the Israeli establishment have warned the public to prepare for extended and difficult military operations involving Iran and Lebanon. Such warnings should motivate us to strengthen our commitment to Torah and mitzvot, particularly through zikkui haRabbim. As ma’aminim, we must never lose sight of the fact that the true power of the Jewish People — compared to doves who defend themselves with their wings, as suggested by the phrase “Kanfei Yonah” (T’hilim 68:14; see Shabbat 49a) — lies in unwavering fidelity to, and uncompromising adherence to, the Will of HaShem.

At the same time, these difficult times remind us of another crucial truth. Many people tragically place their trust in deeply flawed political leaders. This moment presents an opportunity to reject that mindset and instead recognize that we can rely only on HaShem and His chesed — never viewing that kindness as an entitlement, r”l.

To the extent that we internalize the teaching “Ein Lanu Le’Hishoh’ain Ela al Avinu She’BaShamayim” (end of Sotah) and radiate that conviction outward, we may help reduce the grave chilul HaShem that results when figures whose words and actions repel the Shechinah are celebrated.

In the merit of sharing in the Tza’ar HaShechinah, k’vayachol, may we soon witness yeshuos beyond what we could imagine, with the ultimate restoration of the Shechinah to its rightful place among klal Yisrael.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Nosson Shmuel Leiter

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