When you live in the Amazon, so far away from large Jewish communities, people know that you can keep secrets. That is why I had a friend living in another continent, call me with a personal dilemma. His 8-year-old daughter was struggling in her school studies. The principal noticed a pattern in her failures and called the parents for a meeting.
Their daughter although very bright and creative, was losing focus in class. She could not follow through with daily assignments, was always looking out the window, and seemed to be somewhere else when asked a question. The principal suggested that they medicate their daughter to help her focus. Once the meeting ended and each parent was lost in their thoughts.
As they debated the pros and the cons of medication, each one decided to consult with a friend. That is how I entered their story.
Moshe’s struggle
When Moshe was told to build the Mishkan he followed the instructions, just as Hashem had commanded. However, when it came to building the vessels, he could not remember how to build the menorah. Hashem explained it again, but he did not understand. Even after being shown how it would look like, he still could not handmake it. It was only after Moshe explained it to Betzalel, was Betzalel able to build it.
Moshe wondered if Betzalel (which means the shadow of G-d), had eavesdropped on his conversation with Hashem. Betzalel had not, as the Arizal explains. Being that Moshe was a prophet, he had to prepare himself to receive prophecy. Once he got it, not necessarily would it remain with him. After preparing himself several times, he was still unsuccessful. However, Betzalel was given the gift of understanding the construction of the menorah.
I then asked my friend whether it was all subjects that his daughter lost focus in or only a few, like the great Moshe?
As there was a long silence on the other end of the line, I decided to point out another insight from Moshe’s struggle.
Why was it that Moshe had only difficulty constructing the menorah and not the holy ark? The ark was made of gold, wood, had (keruvim) kids shaped on top of it. All these details in one object, certainly could be a challenge to build without actually seeing it?
Our Sages taught that the holy ark had two children on top of them. In order to educate a child you cannot simply throw them into a fire ( good school) or pop their mouth with a pill. It takes work, dedication, and connection. That is why Moshe had to build the holy ark with his own effort.
All of a sudden, I could hear that my friends voice become emotional with this sudden realization. It is true medication can help your child, but even with that every parent should pray and really try connecting with their child. That will be the best medication anyone could give their child. As it lasts forever.
He thanked me for giving him a new paradigm shift and we wished each other…..
