Our sages explain that although we don't necessarily understand all of the reasons behind the intricate details of the construction and service in the Mishkan, they are all based on the absolute deepest wisdom and understanding of holiness. Through these precise steps, and only through these steps, could the Jewish nation create a physical structure that was holy enough to merit Hashem’s concentrated presence. 

 The strange thing is that the Chizkuni, an early Rishone, gives some surprisingly practical explanations behind certain details of the Mishkan. For example, he explains that she'itim wood was specifically chosen as the material for the Holy Ark, simply because it was strong yet very light, which made it easier for the yidden to carry. 

Another example: he also explains that while it was forbidden to ever remove the poles attached to the Holy Ark, the poles of the Mizbe'ach were allowed to be removed. Why? The reason he offers is that if the Mizbe'ach's poles remained attached, it would get in the way of the kohanim and necessitate them to constantly walk around them while performing their daily service. This would inconvenience them regularly. The Ark, on the other hand, was in the Holy of Holies and therefore did not have this technical issue.

These reasonings seem to be much too down to earth. Wasn’t it important for each detail of the Mishkan to be perfect, regardless of the physical or emotional contentment of the Kohanim, in order to attain the highest levels of kedusha? Why was the comfort of the Kohanim a strong enough factor to alter the very construction of the Mishkan, the single holiest place on earth?

 Let us take this question one step further. When Hashem told Moshe to collect money for the building of the Mishkan, he used a language of bakasha, asking a favor. The Ba'al Haturim explains that since it is hard for man to part with his money, Hashem requested of them to give of their own volition instead of commanding them to do so*. Our question arises once again. Why was Hashem so concerned about the relatively insignificant emotional feelings of discomfort of the Jewish people, when it came to the most monumental of projects - the construction of the holiest structure on earth! Why didn't it justify a concrete command to supply the necessary funds?

 For a few summers, R’ Moshe Feinstein and his Rebbetzin vacationed in Hartford, Connecticut, at the home of the local shochet, R’ Berman. A relative of the Berman’s would visit from time to time. Once, this man decided that he would pay careful attention to R’ Moshe’s actions in order to learn from them. Knowing that R’ Moshe arose very early to study Torah, and also to write letters to some of the greatest sages of his time to provide halachic guidance that they so desperately needed, this man arose early one morning and went to observe R’ Moshe. R’ Moshe was sitting at a table learning and near him was the Berman’s youngest child, a little girl of about 5, the only child still at home. The man watched in amazement as the girl rolled a ball on the table towards R’ Moshe, who was deeply engrossed in his learning. R’ Moshe seemed to be waiting for the ball, for each time, he looked up from his sefer, picked up the ball, and rolled it back with a warm smile. This scene repeated itself a number of times.

Later, the man asked R’ Moshe “why did the Rosh Yeshiva specifically interrupt his learning to play with her? If he would have not played ball with her, she would have moved on and found something else to do. It is well-known that each minute that the Rosh Yeshiva learns and writes responses to difficult halachic questions, he is greatly helping the entire Klal Yisroel”. 

R’ Moshe replied “this little girl is the youngest in her family, a ben-zekunim (born when her parents were getting older in years). She is normally the princess of her home, about whom everyone makes a fuss and gives all of their attention. But since I have arrived, her parents are catering to my needs. They stand ready to provide me with every possible comfort. I have become the center of their attention, and thus, have inadvertently taken away this little girls kingdom! Isn’t it proper, then, that I should appease her however I can, by giving her special attention?”.**

(quoted from “Reb Moshe”, Expanded Edition, by R’ Shimon Finkelman, published by Artscroll Mesorah).

 The answer to all of the above questions, is that Hashem is clearly teaching us that if one wants to attain the highest levels of kedusha and closeness to Him, one must always at the same time be attentive to the needs of others. Then, and only then, can one’s actions truly attain the highest levels of kedusha and be favored in Hashem's eyes. 

 The only way to successfully reach tremendous levels of kedusha is by being considerate of others. This was crystal clear to the Chizkuni and the rationale behind his explanations. He understood that Hashem is teaching us that, indeed, one must truly be "down to earth" when dealing with his fellow man in order to successfully reach the pinnacles of holiness.***

  Living Inspired

 R' Meir Stern explains that, of course, we never dismiss a halacha that is in black and white, whether we think it might discomfort others or not. The Torah should not be constantly changed to fit with the whims of people. However, whenever there is a grey area or a matter that is of "extra credit" (chumra/stringency), R’ Meir Stern explained that it is crucial to ensure that it is not coming at the expense of others (as the Mesillas Yeshurim states explicitly in ch.20). For example, he explained, if a young man decides to adopt the praiseworthy stringency of keeping cholov yisroel, he cannot do it at the expense of others. If his mother ordinarily shops at a nearby grocery store that does not carry cholov yisroel milk, he must personally buy the cholov yisroel milk himself rather than make his mother shlepp to a distant store that does sell it. It is wrong to make her go out of her way so that he can fulfill a stringency, no matter how virtuous that stringency may be.

 Spiritual growth is predicated on sincere consideration of others. The greatest way to please Hashem is for us to all go the extra mile to get along with each other first, before trying to please Him by going above and beyond the letter of the law in other areas. 

May we all succeed in accomplishing both of these goals, and remember that our own spirituality can never come at the expense of others. Rather, our focus on elevating our own personal spiritual greatness should thereby heighten our focus on and consideration of others, and vice versa.

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*- 25:2

**- R' Yosef Berger illustrates this same point with the following personal story :

He was living in Yerushalayim, as his son's fourth birthday was nearing. The practice in his son's school was that in order to celebrate each child's birthday, the parents would bring in candy for the entire class to enjoy. His young four year old was counting down the days in excitement. When the big day arrived however, the Gadol Hador R' Shlomo Zalman Auerbach was niftar. The entire Eretz Yisroel, as well as the entire Jewish nation as a whole, was in a state of mourning. All of Yerushalayim was virtually shut down, and the feeling of loss was felt by all. R' Berger considered canceling the birthday party, as he was not sure if it was appropriate to have a celebration on such a day. The psak he received however from a world-famous Rav, was to continue with the party as planned. The explanation offered by the Rav was that "a four year old would be crushed if his party was cancelled and he is not old enough to gain any valuable lesson from doing so. It isn't proper to act stringently at his expense, no matter how appropriate that stringency may be". We see how the happiness of a young boy was a deciding factor in a matter of psak for kavod haTorah of the Gadol Hador

*** - This dvar Torah is based off a shiur given by R' Yosef Berger