I once heard a quote that “people don’t care how much you know, but everyone wants to know how much you care.”

It’s not a line from the Torah or from the Talmud. However, it does bring out an important theme in this weeks Parsha.

There are many Mitzvot and customs that we love doing and can find its relevance. We enjoy the experience and look forward to do it again. That emotional connection is very important. The feeling must be present together with the action.

While it is true that Pirkei Avot teaches us that, “action is paramount.” Indeed, when something needs to be done we have to make sure we make it happen. Together with that, we also must be careful that it’s not a dry experience. Excitement and enthusiasm must be part of the action.

Like when we see children celebrate Purim or Pesach with gusto. That is the way to go about our Jewish experience. This does require some preparation and research, but it is well worth the effort.

The Parsha this week seems to be a repeat of a previous Parsha (Tetzaveh).

They both talk about the instruction of the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its implementation. Seemingly repeating the same verses and details of the Mishkan.

The difference is, while Tetzaveh talks about the instructions to build, this weeks Parsha Pekudai talks about the actual building and construction of the Mishkan. That is why our Parsha seems to be a repeat.

But if we look deeper we can find the unique and important message in what seems to just be a repetition. The important message is the need for enthusiasm. That is why read Pikudei. The intention is not to be repetitive, but to underscore the importance of passion.

You see, the Jewish people didn’t just build the Mishkan. They built it with enthusiasm and passion. The enthusiasm is what makes the experience into something special and enduring.

This is a reminder that living Judaism with deep feeling is an integral part of our connection.

Shabbat Shalom!