StANDING BEAMS - ANGELS VERSES SOULS

The Mishkan was a microcosm of existence and everything that exists within the world is reflected in the construction of the Mishkan.  

The beams of the Mishkan are described as עצי שטים עומדים “beams of acacia wood that are standing.” Our sages describe that just as the “Seraph angels stand above”, so too the beams of acacia wood in the Mishkan stand down below.

In one of the prophesies of Zechariah, Hashem says  ונתתי לך מהלכים בין העמדים האלה “I will make you movers amongst these who stand”. 

“These who stand” refers to the angels. Standing describes a state of Bittul, surrender to Hashem. Chassidus explains that the Neshamos in Gan Eden, prior to coming into this world, are also called “standing”. Like the angels, they too stand before Hashem with deep feelings of love and awe.

But standing also means to be fixed or stuck in one’s place, without the capacity to grow beyond their present experience. Completely immersed in G-dly revelation, the angels and Neshamos above, are incapable of yearning for more.  

By descending into this world where G-dliness is hidden and facing the spiritual struggles that it presents, the Neshama is able to become a “mover”, to transcend its limitations and reach a yearning and growth that is infinitely greater. 

This is like the greatness of the Baal Teshuvah over the Tzaddik; the deep yearning for connection to Hashem that can only be attained from a prior sense of distance.