It this week's parshah, as we learn about the various artifacts that resided in the Mishkan, we find a subtle difference as to how Moshe Rabbeinu was instructed to construct each article. With the exception of the Aron Hakodesh (Ark), all the commands are expressed in the singular form, "You [Moshe] shall make etc." However, when it comes to the construction of the Aron we findHashem using a plural commandment: "They shall make." (Shemos 25:10) Why the discrepancy?
Ramban suggests that this is due to the fact that the Aron was unique and required the entire Jewish nation's involvement in constructing it. Why? Since the Omnipresent dwelled in the Aron [Tehillim 46:5], it was the most sacred item in the entire Mishkan. Additionally, Chazal [Gemara Yoma 72b] teach that the golden boarder around the Aron symbolizes the crown of Torah. Therefore,
specifically here,
Hashem wanted the involvement of the entire Jewish people so that each and every person merit having a connection and attachment to the Torah.
Ramban asks: we know that in the end of the day only Betzalel built the Aron [see Shemos 37:1]. If so, how can the Torah say that everyone was involved? The Ramban suggests that each person was involved in some way. Some donated a gold article for use in making the Aron [in addition to his general donation for the Mishkan], others rendered some small assistance to Betzalel,and still others participated mentally and directed his thoughts towards the matter.
We see from here a very important idea. Each and every Jewish person must have an association to Torah. Even in today's day and age there are many different ways to be involved with Torah. Obviously, each person to the best of their ability must be involved in Torah study as much as possible. If one is able to contribute to further Torah study, whether financially or mentally, it is appropriate to direct his time and money towards such causes.
Perhaps this is also the reason why specifically with regards to Torah study there is a concept of a "Yissochar-Zevulan" relationship, for precisely here everyone needs to be involved. In the World to Come, a supporter of Torah (Zevualan) will know the same amount of Torah as the one who learned his whole life (Yissachor) (see Rashi Devarim 33:18). Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, zt"l, asks, how could this be understood, for we are taught a person only acquires Torah through toiling and working hard (Gemara Brachos 63b). If so, how could Zevulan, who did not spend years working hard learning, merit knowing just as much as one who dedicated years of his life to Torah wisdom? Rav Yaakov answers, that in reality the Zevulan also "shvitzt" (sweated) for Torah, for he toiled as well in order to have the finances to support the Torah scholar (Emes L'Yaakov pg. 542).
Similarly, we find in the Gemara (Kesubos 111b) only one who has learned Torah can merit being brought back to life at the time of the resurrection of the dead. Moreover, the Chofetz Chaim writes that in Olam Haba a person will only be able to discuss the Torah topics that he learned during his lifetime. If one had the ability to learn and did not utilize that opportunity, his soul will be very embarrassed, for all eternity he will never able to talk about the subjects he never learned. Since there are many people who are burdened with supporting a family, and do not have ample time to devote to Torah study, Hashem set up a system that one can partner with one who does study Torah. This ensures that in the next world even though he himself did not actually learn, he will have amassed the Torah knowledge needed to be able to learn, saving his soul from unending embarrassment. We see our connection to Torah literally determines our future for eternity!
This is the reason the Shulchan Aruch (YD 246:1) rules, every person is obligated to learn Torah; it makes no difference whether he is rich or poor, young or old. The ShulchanAruch continues, even if you are unable to learn yourself, you must support someone else's learning. As we learn about the Aron, may we eternalize this idea and further our Torah connection to an even higher degree. Let us remember, you really matter, for it is essential for every Jew to be involved!
