The construction of the Mishkan is the culmination of Sefer Shemos. As the Ramban notes in his introduction to Shemos, this is the Book of Redemption. Once the presence of Hashem rests upon the Jewish People through the vehicle of the Mishkan, the redemptive process of yetzias Mitzrayim is complete. The role of the Mishkan was already mentioned as the miracles associated with yetzias Mitzrayim came to an end. Following krias Yam Suf, the song composed by Moshe and the Jewish people ends with the words, "You Hashem will establish your sanctuary." As fundamental to yetzias Mitzraim as the Mishkan is, there is another institution in Jewish life that is also integral to yetzias Mitzrayim and even has greater significance than the Mishkan. Parshas Vayakhel begins with the commandment to observe Shabbos. By introducing the actual construction of the Mishkan with a reference to Shabbos, we are taught that the Mishkan cannot be built on Shabbos. Shabbos is a zecher L'yetzias Mitzrayim and the Mishkan culminates yetzias Mitzraim, yet Shabbos takes precedence over Mishkan. How do we understand the relationship between these two pillars of Jewish life?
The Mishkan is not only mentioned at the end of the Az Yashir, but it is also referenced in the beginning. "Zeh Keli V'anvehu" opens the song celebrating the miracle of krias Yam Suf. There are several interpretations of the ambiguous word, "V'anvehu." Chazal in Meseches Shabbos interpreted it as referring to hiddur mitzvah, the beautifying of the objects used for mitzvah observance. The Targum interprets the word as relating to constructing the Mishkan. These interpretations complement one another. Hiddur mitzvah of the highest order was practiced in the construction of the Mishkan. The elaborate details that encompass the parshios that deal with the Mishkan help create Hiddur Mitzvah of the highest order was practiced in the construction of the Mishkan. The elaborate details that encompass the parshios that deal with the Mishkan help to create a beautiful structure. The Mishkan and later the Beis Hamikdash were stunning works of art, a true expression of hiddur mitzvah. Why is hiddur Mitzvah so important? Why can't we simply perform mitzvos in a way that satisfies all halachik requirements, but not necessarily in a beautiful fashion? Hiddur mitzvah is an expression of ahavas Hashem. A gift that is presented to someone who one loves is done so with special care and attention to detail that expresses that love. When we don't want to do something, we do it in a way to simply get by. Hiddur mitzvah is one way we show our love for Hashem and the mitzvos He has given us.
There is a third interpretation of the word "v'anvehu" that encompasses the feelings that the Jewish people had for Hashem at the time of krias Yam Suf. Chazal in meseches Shabbos suggest that "v'anvehu" is related to the words, "Ani V'hu", "I and him." The Jewish people praised Hashem by saying that they wanted to emulate him. By following in Hashem's ways, we express our complete love and devotion towards Him. We imitate those whom we admire. There are many ways we emulate Hashem, such as being kind, patient, and forgiving. There is one mitzvah that the very essence of which is to follow in Hashem's ways. We observe Shabbos just as Hashem observed the first Shabbos, following yetzias Mitzrayim, as we became His Nation. What greater way to express our following in His ways than to observe His Shabbos. As we construct a beautiful Mishkan for Hashem's Presence to dwell in, our ultimate goal is to express our love for Him. What greater way to declare this love than by observing His Shabbos? A Mishkan that would be built on Shabbos would be nothing more than a fancy man-made structure that did not demonstrate our love for Hashem. As we build an exquisite Mishkan to fulfill "V'anvehu," we reach the culmination of yetzias Mitzrayim. We do so by first observing Shabbos as we follow the model of our Beloved who rested on Shabbos. By doing so, our beautiful Mishkan is truly our expression of Ahavas Hashem.
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