Shmos (37/1)

And Bezalel made the ark.

Our Parshah describes making the vessels for the Mishkan. Bezalel and Ohaliav were given the task of overseeing the work. However there is one item that is specifically connected with the name of Bezalel: the ark. This ark is also the only item of the Mishkan that was both in the Mishkan and in the first Temple. It will also be part of the Temple that will be built after the coming redemption. For more about the ark, refer to what I wrote about it in Parshas Trumah in the Diaspora Yeshiva archives.

The MESHECH HOCHMAH commented on the fact that Bezalel's name is mentioned only here among all the other vessels and wrote that the two CHERUBIM on its lid must be made by someone who did not think the slightest thoughts of idol worship. Remembering that the Jewish people had just faltered with the sin of the golden calf Bezalel was the perfect choice. His grandfather was HUR who was murdered as he tried to prevent the sin of the calf (See Rashi on 32,5).

I think there is something special about the making of the Mishkan in general and the ark in particular. We are so used to using tools and buying them for their usefulness. The Mishkan, on the other hand, was called MELECHES MACH'SHEVES - contemplated work. Most professionals know how to do their jobs without having to contemplate what they are to do. Their professionalism stems from the fact that they have been working in their fields long enough to gain experience. Building the Mishkan was therefore unlike other kinds of building. The workers were supposed to keep their thoughts pure while preparing for the day when the Mishkan would hold within it the spiritual presence of G-d.

I don't know if we can expect to reach the purity of thoughts of those who built the Mishkan, but we can be sure that they put an effort into controlling what they were thinking while at work. We can also put an effort into clearing our thoughts during our blessings or our prayers. Let's use this lesson to work on strengthening our performance of the mitzvos that are done solely in our minds: not to covet, to love G-d, to love our fellow Jew, not to hate our fellow Jew, etc. One who receives pay according to the number of hours he is working should keep his mind on his work and refrain from getting involved in unnecessary activities while at the work place.