Melacha: Action verb--the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim. The Dictionary
This week’s Torah portion is a follow-up to the last few weeks’ instructions on how to build the Mishkan, the Tabernacle. This portion tells us that the Jews actually did build it. However, by way of introduction, it reminds us of the sanctity of Shabbat. This is to teach us that as much as it is important and holy to build a “house for G-d,” it is even more important to keep Shabbat holy.
In addition, we learn from this language that whatever is considered actionable work in building the Tabernacle is considered actionable work when it comes to Shabbat--and is forbidden to do on Shabbat. In total this numbers thirty-nine. Amongst them is creating fire.
However, based on the definition of the word “action” (the fact or process of doing something, typically to achieve an aim), what is being gained by burning something? That is destruction, so shouldn’t that be permitted? Maimonides and other codifiers pointed out that kindling a fire is only prohibited if you intend to accomplish something with the fire, even if it is just for the ashes.
In our personal lives this means that every action we do has an effect. We might not realize that even the smallest action has an effect. It might be as small as just creating ashes, but an effect it has, nevertheless. Even a minute action still counts significantly toward the building of the “Temple” of G-d in our own life.
Now imagine when we have in mind to make a real impact … how we can change the world for good!
Shabbat Shalom