Towards the end of Parshat Naso we read of the sanctification of the Mishkan which is dedicated with an offering brought in the name of each tribe, each tribe being mentioned in it’s own glory with the offering being brought by the leader of the tribe. The opening sentence provides us with a puzzle “It was on the day that Moshe finished (kechalot Moshe) erecting the Mishkan that he anointed it and sanctified it and its utensils.” Two things stand out and are noted by Rashi, firstly the use of the Hebrew word “kechalot” and then the mention of Moshe alone in relation to the completion of the Mishkan.
Rashi notes, based on the Midrash Tanchuma, that the word “kechalot” used here for completion is the also the word for a bride (Kala) and Bnei Yisrael are compared to a Bride entering into holy matrimony with Hashem. But then Rashi adds an interesting note that here the Torah credits the completion of the Mishkan to Moshe, and not to Bezalel, Oholiav and all the other artisans, who actually built the Tabernacle. He explains that it was Moshe who put his heart and soul into the project to make sure that every little detail was designed and built exactly as Hashem had shown him and compares this to the building of the Temple which King David worked so hard to achieve even though Hashem never allowed him to build it and it was built by King Solomon. However David was the one who dreamed, desired and planned to build the Temple in Jerusalem.
In fact, Rashi’s source, the Midrash presents the case for Moshe in a lengthy detailed argument and tells us – “This is shown in the text from Solomon in Ecclesiastes – For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom and with knowledge and skill – this applies to Bezalel who made the Tabernacle in wisdom and knowledge….. but, Solomon continues – yet to the man who put all the hard work together shall he not get his portion – this applies to Moshe who did not physically labour but is credited here.” This is why we are told in the text here in the Torah that Moshe finished erecting the Mishkan, even though he did not construct it. Moshe worked tirelessly to make sure that every little detail was put together properly and that the final result was perfect.
When it comes to any construction project there is always the dilemma after who to dedicate or name the building. These days with public buildings it is often named after the one who donated the money. In our young and amazing country with every new building that is built, there always seems to be a new story and some new design technique (or short cut). So many of our buildings have their construction problems and I am not always sure we want to be reminded of the name of the builder. However the building we moved to a couple of years ago here in Netanya does seem to be well constructed and most are happy that the builder’s name Ginadi is on the front of the building. Nearby us there is the not yet completed building named “Coral” which most people round here call “Miriam’s building” a magnificent white building overlooking the sea but is the source of the current investigation involving our Mayor Miriam Fireberg and annoying to us and our neighbours as they have cut off our direct road into town.