Turning Study Into Practice

Rav Kook asked why it was necessary for the Torah to give an accounting of all of the details that were involved in the construction of the Mishkan.

He said that this was necessary in order to show the connection between the instruction and the implementation of the instructions.

It is not enough to be involved in Torah study. The study is meant to translate into actions. The Talmud in Kiddushin makes this point when it says, “Torah study is great when it leads to actions.”

The observance of Mitzvot that follows study, brings abundance and blessings from above, that is brought down to us. This is the way it was intended by Hashem. We are to study and comprehend what is expected of us, and then put this knowledge into practice.

The Rabbis speak of the contrast between one who studies Torah and has wonderful character traits, and one who supposedly studies, but he is dishonest and treats people badly.

Such bad behavior is considered a serious Chillul Hashem, desecration of the Name of G-d. This reminds me of the quote made famous by Rav Ahron Rakefet. “Judaism is perfect. Those who practice it, are not.” We must be consistent in putting the Torah’s lessons into practice. This was what the Torah was teaching when it took great pains to give all of the specific details of the Mishkan.