Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'wisehearted' mean in Exodus 35:10?
A: The term 'wisehearted' (חֲכַם־לֵב) refers to someone who has both wisdom and a willing heart to serve Hashem. Rashi explains that this means people who were skilled in craftsmanship and had the inner wisdom to understand how to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) as commanded by Hashem.
Q: Why does the verse say 'come and make' instead of just 'make'?
A: The phrasing 'come and make' teaches us that serving Hashem requires both willingness ('come'—showing initiative) and action ('make'). The Midrash Tanchuma emphasizes that true service to Hashem combines heartfelt desire with practical effort.
Q: What is the significance of this verse in the context of the Mishkan?
A: This verse highlights that building the Mishkan wasn't just about physical labor—it required wisdom and devotion. Ramban explains that the 'wisehearted' were those who understood the deeper spiritual purpose of the Mishkan and carried out the work with sincerity and skill.
Q: How can we apply the message of Exodus 35:10 today?
A: Just as the wisehearted contributed to the Mishkan, we too should use our talents and wisdom to serve Hashem. The Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that every Jew should strive to serve Hashem with both knowledge and a willing heart, whether through Torah study, prayer, or acts of kindness.
Q: Does this verse imply that only certain people can serve Hashem?
A: No—the verse calls upon those with wisdom and skill, but the Torah (Exodus 35:21-22) later shows that everyone, regardless of ability, could contribute. The Sforno explains that while specific tasks required expertise, all Jews were invited to participate in whatever way they could.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Shemot 35:10) appears in the context of the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), where Moshe instructs Bnei Yisrael to contribute materials and skilled labor for this sacred project. The phrase "wisehearted" (חֲכַם־לֵב) refers to those endowed with wisdom and skill to craft the Mishkan's intricate components.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (ad loc.) clarifies that "wisehearted" refers to those who possess the wisdom to understand craftsmanship through divine inspiration (רוּחַ חָכְמָה). This was not merely human skill but a spiritual gift granted for the Mishkan's construction. The term "shall come" implies voluntary participation—those whose hearts moved them to contribute their talents.
Rambam on Wisdom and Action
Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 1:8) emphasizes that wisdom must lead to action. The verse connects "wisehearted" with "shall make," teaching that true wisdom is not abstract but must be applied to fulfill divine commandments. This aligns with the broader Jewish principle of na'aseh v'nishma ("we will do and we will hear").
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Chassidic Perspective
The Sefat Emet (Parashat Vayakhel) explains that "wisehearted" refers to those who serve Hashem with both intellect (chochmah) and heartfelt devotion (lev). The Mishkan's construction symbolizes how human effort, when guided by divine wisdom, becomes a dwelling place for the Shechinah.
Practical Lesson
This verse teaches that every Jew must use their unique talents—whether intellectual, artistic, or practical—to contribute to communal holiness. As the Ohr HaChaim notes, the call to "come and make" applies in every generation: we must actively participate in building spiritual structures through Torah and mitzvot.