Together We Can Do It

.worked together as a team to create something special

This week’s Parasha of Vayakhel/Pekudei describes how the Mishkan (the Sacred Place) was completed by the Israelites. The Torah gives us a list of the materials that were donated and given to Moshe. He distributes the materials to Bezalel, who was the head foreman. The work was completed according to the instructions given to Moshe.

The Torah reminds us that the Israelites voluntarily contributed most of the materials that were needed. In fact, the artisans told Moshe that the people had donated enough material to complete the Mishkan and no more was needed.

What a show of cooperation! There are at least three verses that say the people were self-motivated and inspired to give. In addition to the materials, the talented craftsmen and women gave their time to construct the Mishkan.

It isn't hard to figure out why the Israelites cooperated in this endeavor; they were able to create sacred space for the Divine Presence to dwell among them. Teamwork makes the dream work.

Cooperation is working together toward a purpose or common end. It is a choice that individuals make. We learn how to cooperate or not cooperate when we are children. We see examples from our parents and siblings. When we get older, we encounter many more situations to cooperate or not.

So why choose to cooperate? People may cooperate because of the synergy it produces. In some cases, cooperation can make life better and easier. Sometimes people may choose not to cooperate if they think they can gain the benefits without contributing, or they do not cooperate for other personal reasons.

People may find it easier to cooperate if they find purpose, order, and meaning in the projected outcome. Sometimes it may take a leader to cast the vision in order to get people to cooperate to accomplish the goal. Talent alone may not be sufficient to accomplish a set goal. For example, in sports, a team of less talented individuals working together will usually beat more talented players not working together.

In the case of the Israelites, Moshe was able to cast that vision. The people rallied to that vision and they contributed the materials needed. In addition, the most talented individuals worked together as a team to create something very special, the Mishkan (Sacred place).