Pekudei Ex. 38:21-40:38, 30:11-16,
Num 289-15
In this week’s parasha, P’kudei, the people finally complete the difficult work of building the mishkan, the holy tabernacle in which God dwells. Proud of their accomplishments, the artists and craftsmen bring the Tabernacle, with the Tent and all its furnishings, to Moses. Seeing that the Israelites had completed all the creative tasks that God had commanded, Moses blesses the people.
Like the builders of the mishkan, many of us put extensive time and effort into completing our projects-whether they are for work, family, hobbies or home. These long-term projects are filled with complicated details, to-do lists, deadlines and more. For days, weeks or months our focus is placed on accomplishing the necessary tasks. And then one day, it is all over-the final paper is turned in, the business deal has been signed, the last song has been sung. A friend of mine calls the days following the completion of a project, “Post Production Blues.” She explains that though we are excited about the outcome, we also feel a sense of lose. As we work on a project or prepare for a performance, we spend so much of our time and energy on the tasks, that when all the work is done and the performance is over, we can feel empty inside.
In this week’s parasha, Moses has the opposite reaction. Before moving on to the next project, he pauses to acknowledge and appreciate the work that had been done. He gathers the people together and blesses them. Through his blessing, he reminds us that when we reach the end of a significant period of our lives, we too can offer a blessing. Like Moses, we can stop and recognize our accomplishments and given thanks to those who supported us.
On this Shabbat as we finish another week filled with business endeavors, creative tasks and house projects, let us, like Moses, pause to acknowledge and appreciate the many tasks we have completed this week. Let us remember that our lives are filled with many acts of creation, and we too have the power to mark those acts with words of blessing, praise, and gratitude.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alissa Forrest
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