S.Y Agnon begins his story Agunot with a pseudo-midrash of his own creation. “It is said: A thread of grace is spun and drawn out of the deeds of Israel, and the Holy One, blessed be He, Himself, in His glory, sits and weaves-strand on strand-a tallit all grace and mercy-for the Congregation of Israel to deck herself in.”
In this week’s parasha, Vayakel, we learn of the extravagant
measures employed to construct the tabernacle—including gold thread to make
Aaron’s priestly garments. Skilled craftsmen hammered out thin sheets of gold
and cut strands to be worked into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine
linen. What happened to all that exquisite craftsmanship? Did the garments
simply wear out? Were they eventually carried off as plunder? Was it all in
vain? Not at all! Every aspect of the effort was done because God had given
specific instructions to do it.
God has given each of us something to do as well. It may be a
simple act of kindness—something that reflects His Image as we serve each
other. We need not concern ourselves with what will happen to our efforts in
the end. Any mitzvah we do becomes a thread extending into eternity and weaves
that tallit all of grace and mercy.
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