Our parshiyos this week deal with the contributions to the
Tabernacle, and its construction. The Book of Shmos (Exodus),
concludes with the dwelling of the Divine Presence over the
Tabernacle. After the episode of the Golden Calf, Moshe
requested atonement for the Israelites. With great feeling,
Moshe requested that the unique relationship between G-d and His
people continue. Specifically, he asked for three things: That
the Divine Presence dwell with the people; that it dwell only
upon the chosen nation; and that Moshe be granted knowledge of
G-d's ways. Each of these requests were answered in the
affirmative. (Talmud, Brochos 7a from Exodus 33.) It is to be
noted that the people were given unique status not because of
their greatness or innocence; it was precisely after their great
error that Moshe made these requests. The Jewish People were
taken from Egypt not for a national movement, or for the sake of
social justice alone, but to sanctify G-d's name. Moshe pleaded
with G-d that the Israelites be spared