Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei - Not holding a Grudge
by Rabbi Lobel

(Exodus: Chapter 35, Verses 30-33) And Moses said to the Children of Israel, "See, G-d has proclaimed by name, Bezalel son of Uri son of Chur, of the tribe of Judah . He filled him with G-dly spirit, with wisdom, with understanding, and knowledge and with every craft, to make artistic designs, to work with gold, with silver, and with copper; lapidary work for filling and wood-carving, to do every artistic craft."

"See, G-d has proclaimed." What is Moses showing the Jewish nation? The Daas Zekeinim (35:30) explains that Israel was complaining that Moses was distributing the important jobs to his family members. Bezalel was the grandson of Chur and Chur was the son of Miriam, Moses' sister. It was necessary to show Israel that it was not Moses making these decisions; rather, G-d appointed Bezalel to design the Tabernacle.

Furthermore, Moses assumed that he was to design and erect the Tabernacle. However, G-d intervened and told Moses that he wanted Bezalel. G-d chose Bezalel for this lofty position because the Tabernacle was the sign between G-d and the Jewish people that G-d has forgiven them for the sin of the Golden Calf. Chur was killed by his brethren when trying to prevent the sin of the Golden Calf. It was therefore appropriate that the grandson of a martyr be the lead designer in constructing the symbol of forgiveness, for the sin that his grandfather had died to fight against.

It was natural for Bezalel to feel certain resentment against those who sinned with the Golden Calf - they murdered his grandfather. It is difficult to understand why Bezalel would accept such a position. And even if he did accept it, there must be some inner, deep, feelings of bitterness. These emotions would deter Bezalel in carrying out his job with absolute sincerity; service to G-d must be done with the most genuine feelings.