The Torah goes into detail about how the Tabernacle should be built. The question is why. The answer is that we have to obey the commandments to make ourselves better people. It is not up to our subjective judgment.
Author: Shlomo Bar-Ayal
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We Need the Tabernacle
The purpose of the Tabernacle was not for God but for us. God does not need us to build Him a home. Just as our prayers are more for us than for God.
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Do Not Pervert Judgement
The Torah admonishes judges to be upright and follow the law, even when the majority want it to do otherwise. The worst thing that can happen to a society of that there is no justice.
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Slaves Cannot Serve God Fully
If a slave states that he prefers slavery to freedom, he is punished. This is to teach us that slavery is not the normal state of a person. God wants us to be free people.
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God Wants Action, Not Words
God wants us to do the right thing. No where in the Torah is there a commandment to believe in God. But there are on how to behave.
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Morality & Religion
The difference between the Torah and previous law codes is that the previous law codes were totally secular. The Torah states that even “secular” or ethical laws are from God.
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Ritual Needs Morality
After the revelation of Mt. Sinai, the logical step would be to build a Tabernacle to God. But the Torah takes a detour and speaks about how to build an ethical society.
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The Basis of a Good Society
The 5th Commandment is more than good advice. It is pointing out that the basis of a good society is the two parent family. Without which society would fall apart.
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Covetness is the Root of Evil
Jealousy is wanting what others have without realizing what they had to do to get that or the reason they have it. When we see someone has done well we should learn from their success, not be jealous of them.