Videos about the Mishkan (Tabernacle)

Even after a week of consecration for the Holy Tabernacle, the Jews still did not merit for G-d Himself to consecrate the Tabernacle. Only when Aaron brought his sacrifice on the eighth day, did G-d finally manifest His awesome Glory. The sages teach: “Be a student of Aaron: love peace, pursue peace, love all creatures, and bring them close to Torah.” These virtues of Aaron accomplished more than all the Seven Days of Consecration.

Rabbi Kadoozy reports on the portable Temple the Israelites used in the wilderness, and Jono tries to build one

When paying taxes, few people offer to contribute more than required. However by the construction of the Mishkan, the tabernacle, the Jews donated well beyond what was needed, why?

Examining the commentaries on the seemingly redundant word “mishkan” (Tabernacle) reveals profound insight into the everlasting nature of the mishkan.

An overview of historic holiness—more than 13 centuries of sacred architecture. A stunning snapshot of the different sacred sanctuaries that served as the epicenter of Jewish spiritual life from Moses to Rabbi Akiva. Discover why the locations shifted in the past, but will never again. Learn how they moved, and why some were destroyed, while others simply faded away.

The eternal divine commandment to build a holy “House for G-d” was initially fulfilled with the mobile Mishkan of Moses—though the ultimate perfection of this mitzvah was only reached by the historic Jerusalem Temples atop Mt. Mariah. Yet, surprisingly the temporary desert structure remains our supreme source. Discover the amazing little secret to the staying power of that humble desert sanctuary, which eclipses the more impressive later structures and teaches us all an important lesson.

If being an adult means being rational, then what does it mean to be a child? Does it mean being irrational? To the extent that religion involves the childlike gesture of “faith” (Emunah), it would seem to be an irrational, immature enterprise. Unless of course there is a viable adult alternative to Rationalism and Irrationalism alike.

A strange detail in the construction of the Temple’s “Holy of Holies” reveals the secret of where G‑d lives.

The three components of the spiritual temple we need for the divine presence to rest within us.

In exploring the timeless spiritual dimensions of the Sanctuary, the Mishkan, this class reveals how craziness and lies are essential components of a meaningful life. (Based on the maamar Basi L’Gani 5719)

On Shabbat work is forbidden. But what defines work? The Torah defines work as any of the activities that were required for the construction or function of the Mishkan, the Divine Sanctuary. This class will explain the deeper connection between Shabbat and the Mishkan, and thereby outline the Divine template for a meaningful life. (Maamar, Vayakhel Moshe 5714)

The uppermost covering of the Divine Sanctuary, the Mishkan, was the hide of a creature the Torah identifies as the 'Tachash'. The Sages disagree as to what type of creature it was, but all agree that it existed only then and that its hide was multicolored. This class will address Rashi's commentary on the subject and reveal the profound spiritual message contained therein. (Likutei Sichos vol. 31)

The primary material necessary for building the Divine Sanctuary was cedar wood. Now, since the Jews were journeying in a hostile desert, how could they possibly procure the required cedar wood, and in formidable quantity?! This class will solve the mystery, and in so doing will offer an inspirational message for our times. (Likutei Sichos vol. 31 Terumah 2)

Following revelation at Sinai, the Jewish people were instructed to contribute and construct the Divine Sanctuary. What does it mean to make a home for G-d?

The Sanctuary that Moses built in the wilderness was constructed of a kind of pillar called a "keresh" (kuf, shin, reish.) These are the same letters as the world for falsehood "sheker" (shin, kuf, reish) and the word for connection "kesher" (kuf, shin, reish.) The purpose of the Sanctuary that each of us builds in our hearts is to take the falsehood of this world and change it into a pillar and a connection to G-d.

Why are these portions that talk all about building the Tabernacle also the context for learning about a day of rest? What is the connection between observing Shabbat and making a place for G-d's presence to dwell?

After seven days and nights of Aaron and his sons staying in the newly constructed Sanctuary in the desert, what transpired in the final, climactic moments of the Sanctuary's inauguration?

"Make for me a sanctuary" (Exodus 25:8) was first stated when the Jews built a portable sanctuary in the wilderness. This building was to be made from three metals: gold, silver, and copper. How do these three metals correspond to three levels of spiritual service?

We find a discrepancy in the sequence of instructions to build the mishkan. Presented is a mystical understanding of the order of three things G-d conveys to Moses differently from how Moses instructed the people: resting on Shabbat, building the structure, and making the vessels.

Parshat Terumah’s “Mishkan Metals” presented gold, silver and copper standards of dedication; yet utilitarian iron was cast aside. The continued development of this thesis now begins with a missed Midrash that’s richly illuminated. Then on to Babylon; one young prophet is inspired to craft a diorama, while another tasked with interpreting an Emperor's nightmares – both of which foreshadow the balance of world history. Fascinating commentary, resonating with relevancy, is climaxed by latter-day mystical teachings providing extraordinary clarity and a happy ending!

In a frenetic world that seems to suck out our souls, how do we maximize the Shabbat experience to get energized for the whole week?

The Rebbe shows us how Rashi’s description of the curtain hangings that formed the courtyard of the Mishkan (Sanctuary) also teaches us about a Jew’s mission to bring holiness to the world.

The Mishkan has two distinct elements that reflect the two distinct ways in which we connect to G-d. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 16 Vayakhel)

The Tabernacle was to be built by every man, woman and child. Even a Jew who may appear to be a sinner is still obligated and capable of building a dwelling for G‑d.

The purpose of creation is fulfilled by our making use of our bodies and the physical world around us to do G‑d’s will. Guest Expert: Rivkah Slonim. (From “Messages”—Season 4, Episode 8)

When constructing the Mishkan, Moses schleps in the furniture (i.e. the ark, the menorah etc.) before the entire structure is completed. Why does he furnish G-d’s home in such a backwards way?

After receiving forgiveness for the sin of the golden calf, G-d instructs the Jewish people to make a home for Him on earth: the mishkan. Why was gold so prominently used in the sanctuary if it caused such a grave sin.

“And they shall build for me a Sanctuary and I will dwell within them.” The Sages explain: “within them” – within the heart of every single Jew.

The verse states: “They shall build me a Temple, and I will dwell within them.” Our sages teach us that “within them” refers to every Jewish heart. Each and every single one of us, and the entire Jewish people, all share the mission of bringing the light of Judaism out to the entire world.

An analysis of the Torah’s command to contribute the materials necessary for the construction of the Mishkan (Sanctuary), leads to a novel appreciation of the role of the recipient of beneficence.