In the Torah portion of Vayakhel, we read that both men and woman donated for the construction of the Mishkan. Everyone participated in its construction. It didn’t matter if they were rich or poor. It didn’t matter which tribe they were from. Each gave according to their ability, and each participated with the talents G‑d gave them.

They were careful to do everything the way Hashem wanted them to, down to the smallest detail. In the end, His presence filled the Mishkan, and He dwelled amongst them.

After 210 years of exile in Egypt—87 of which were fraught with terrible suffering and slavery—it must have been so satisfying, so exciting, to see the Shechinah (Divine Presence) fill the Mishkan.

What lessons can we learn from this?

We are here for a reason: to fashion this world into a dwelling place for G‑d.

Every one of us is necessary to ensure success. We are all different. We all have different abilities, different talents and different circumstances. We know we can do it, because we’ve done it once before when we built the Mishkan. The main thing is that we work together, and that we do it right. Small details matter. As in every project, it is not complete until each person does his or her part, and until the finishing touches have been completed.

How about us; haven’t we suffered enough? Haven’t we done enough? Has the exile not been long enough? Hasn’t the time come, for all this anguish to end?

Yes, it is true that the expression of G‑d’s presence that we will experience at the time of Moshiach will be based on our exile experience and our efforts now. Perhaps He is holding out for just a bit longer because He wants something more, something deeper, that He knows we can attain.

Nevertheless, we need Moshiach to come already. Please G‑d, send him, and end the suffering.