Maimonides cites the mandate to build the Tabernacle – "ועשו לי מקדש ושכנתי בתוכם" – “and make for me a sanctuary so that I may dwell among you,” as the source to build the Temple upon the Jews entering the Land of Israel. The Raavad, who is oft to challenge Maimonides, wonders how this can be the source for construction of the Temple, when for one: the walls of the Tabernacle were made of wood as opposed to the Temple, which could not possess any wood (at least not in its holiest parts). Secondly: the Tabernacle was planned from the beginning as a temporary edifice. How then can this Tabernacle serve as the source for the building of the Temple?

The Tabernacle is the initial emergence of G-d’s shechinah (divine presence) entering into this world. The Temple represents the intensification of this initial experience exemplified by the Tabernacle.

An influx of holiness is an awesome event. Sanctity is powerful and often catches us off guard. Living with holiness when one is not prepared for it can be the most overwhelming position to be in. The Talmud develops the notion of מעלין בקודש ואין מורידין, we move up in holiness, not down. This upwards movement indicates that we need to build our Holy Temples step by step, one goal at a time. The Tabernacle is the predecessor. It may be simple and temporary but it is the foundation. When we begin to build our own spiritual path let us remember to start with a simple Tabernacle before working our way to the most impressive Temple.