Parsha

Now Bezalel, ben Uri ben Hur, of the tribe of Judah, had made all that the LORD had commanded Moses; at his side was Oholiav ben Achisamach, of the tribe of Dan, carver and designer, and embroiderer in blue, purple, and crimson yarns and in fine linen. (Shmos 38:23-23)

Who was Oholiav ben Achisamach? And why was he merited to help Bezalel build the Mishkan? 

According to Rashi (35:34) he was of the tribe of Dan, of one of the lowest of the tribes, of the sons of the handmaids, and yet the Omnipresent placed him with regard to the work of the Tabernacle on a level with Bezalel although he was a member of one of the noble tribes (Judah)! in order to confirm what Scripture says, (Job 34:19) “He regardeth not the rich more than the poor” (Midrash Tanchuma 2:10:13)

Under normal circumstances it should have been very hard for Oholiav to reach the level of building the Mikdash. He had three obstacles to overcome: 1) His tribe was last in line as Bnai Yisrael traveled in the Midabar, 2) the flag of Dan is a snake – usually associated with the Satan and 3) His tribe was considered on a low level because they were children of a maidservant. It would not be surprising if people looked down at him. So why did Hashem pick someone specifically someone from the tribe of Dan to help Bezalel? 

The answer is:

1. The tribe of Dan was last in line because they were given the responsibility to gather all who fell behind during their travels, those who “fell off the derech”. They rejected their tribe and wanted to leave the encampment altogether. The tribe of Dan would reach out to these potential wanderers and encourage them not to leave the Shechina, the Clouds of Protection. Their lower position in travels actually helped them to do the highest level of kiruv, saving souls. 
2. The tribe of Dan was constantly wrestling with the Yetzer Hara, for example Shimshon Hagibor fell to the Yetzer Hara. However, even if they fell they returned even stronger to serve Hashem. The snake on the flag symbolizes that life is a struggle but it can be overcome. 
3. The fact that Tribe of Dan was from a maidservant is a lack of “yichus”. The Ohr HaCChaim says that there are many wise people who are only wise in their own eyes. Oholiav searched for the truth, he found no purpose to prove himself.

Hashem chose one person from “royalty” and one “common” person to represent Am Yisrael in building the Mishkan to teach us that every person has a portion in serving Hashem. The tribe of Dan had many obstacles to overcome according to their position, middos and lineage. Yet, they were praised for their service through Oholiav.

The lesson we learn is obvious. No one should ever think that the work they do or their position in life is anything less than Royal. We are “all in this together” and helping each other in ways that Hashem only sees. In this sense the tribe of Dan are heroes because through their understanding of the battle they waged in fighting the Yetzer Hara they were given the most important place in line in order to save all who fall off the derech.

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Good Shabbos,
R’ Channen
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