The Torah goes out of its way to spend four separate Parshiyot on the Mishkan.  Why must the Torah expend so much detail and words in describing the Mishkan? What was so important about the Mishkan? The Ramban famously explains that the necessity of the Mishkan was to create a continuous Sinai experience that would escort Am Yisrael throughout the desert.

The Midrash explains (Breishit Raba 19:7) Hashem’s goal in creating the world was to find a place to dwell amongst His creations.  From the beginning of creation however, the people of the world banished Hashem’s presence from their surroundings.  Beginning with the sin of Adam which sent Hashem into the first of the seven layers of heavens that encompass the world, Cain’s actions, Enosh, the generation of the Flood, Tower of Bavel, Sodom, and the Egyptians during Avraham’s time all sent Hashem further away until the 7th and final layer of heaven.  The Midrash continues that in the merit of seven righteous individuals, (Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Levi, Kehat, Amram, and Moshe) Hashem’s presence returned.  In other words, the Sinai revelation was not only about giving Am Yisrael the Torah but fulfilling Hashem’s ultimate goal of creation!

Perhaps this is why the conclusion of the Mishkan discussion that happens in this week’s Parsha concludes with the Mizbeach Haketoret. Even though all other vessels of the Mishkan were discussed already, the Torah saves the ketoret for the end as the Zohar explains ketoret in Aramaic is “kitra” meaning kesher, relationship.  The relationship and connection between Am Yisrael and Hashem is solidified at the end of this Parsha with the ketoret.

This could explain why we read this Parsha around the time of Purim and have it connected with Parshat Zachor.  Amalek represents the argument against a relationship between Hashem and his creations.  Hence why the nachash which began the banishment of Hashem’s presence in Gan Eden is said to be intrinsically connected to Haman and his objectives.  Whereas Mordechai comes to fight and lead Am Yisrael against Haman.  The gemara in Chulin explains that just like the reference of Haman can be found by the snake and the Garden, Mordechai is found in the spices of the ketoret, representing our everlasting relationship with Hashem.

Our goal is to constantly figure out ways to nurture the relationship we have with Hashem in spite of the distractions and arguments that we endure and experience in this world.   

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