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We should try to understand the difference between these two terms; mikdash and mishkan. The root of the former is "kadosh" – holy. The root of mishkan is shachen (dwell). As we have discussed in the past, holiness implies the presence of fear, distancing, and the attribute of judgment. It is related to the idea that Hashem is High above all high, to the extent that it is not even possible to understand His greatness. In contrast, the matter of the dwelling of the Divine Presence implies closeness and love, along the lines of one of the most important ideas which the masters of Kabbala discussed: "There is no place that is bereft of His Presence."
It is wrong to relate to only one of the aforementioned approaches to Hashem. If we think just in terms of fear of Hashem, we are liable to develop a cold philosophical approach that leaves no emotion in the relationship. The Baal Shem Tov was very sensitive to this concern, and he trained the followers of Chassidut to put the stress on Hashem’s ongoing Presence. They put more emphasis on "I will dwell among them" than on "They will make for Me a Sanctuary." The Vilna Gaon was concerned that such an approach would cause an over-familiarity that would allow for searching for closeness to Hashem even in unseemly settings. He explained the Glory of Hashem as less related to a Divine Dwelling and more of an expression of Divine Providence. The Gaon’s disciple, Rav Chayim of Volozhin did draw closer to the Chassidic approach (see Torah Shleima, vol. VIII, pp. 248-251).
Let us return to take a look at what changed when Shlomo erected the Temple. The dwelling of Hashem’s Presence was obvious in the Mishkan, and while the place was holy, the site of the Mishkan did not retain its sanctity after the Mishkan was removed from the place. The movable hides were a reminder that the sanctity was always capable of being transferred from here to there or of disappearing if the people sinned.
With the building of the Mikdash, Shlomo sent a double message. The Temple Mount would maintain an eternal status of holiness, with halachic ramifications. The Divine Presence would always dwell there even if and when the structure would not be there. To a certain extent, Bnei Yisrael understood too well – the sanctity would always remain no matter how improperly we behaved. May we regain the wisdom to be worthy to see with our eyes the return of the palpable spirit to the holy places, for which we are waiting.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
