The Service that took place in the Mishkan was designed to emulate the way that Hashem runs His world. After all, the Mishkan was meant to be a microcosm of the world. Through the Mishkan we discover how we can emulate Hashem in our own daily lives.

For example, in the desert Hashem provided special sustenance, the Manna. Likewise He provides food in every generation. So in the Mishkan there was a special service associated with the Lechem Haponim/ The Showbreads, symbolizing sustenance.

Similarly, in the desert Hashem provided a pillar of fire to illuminate their travels. Likewise He provides the sun, moon, and stars to provide illumination in each generation. So in the Mishkan there was a special service associated with the Menorah, to light it and to parallel the way Hashem runs His world.

Interestingly, the power of mankind is that when we parallel Hashem’s example we actually create mitzvos that are more precious to Hashem than His own creation. The Medrash compares the sun, moon, and stars, which Hashem created, to the Menorah lit by mankind. The Medrash tells us that Hashem considers our Menorah to be more dear. Hashem says: The mitzvah of the Menorah is the result of Ahron’s craving to do a mitzvah and to be close to me. The lights that Ahron kindles are therefore more dear to me than the luminaries of heaven which I created.

The concept of emulating Hashem doesn’t end with the Mishkan of long ago. Jewish Tradition refers to every Jewish Home as a mini-Sanctuary. In our own homes we emulate the hospitality that Hashem provides in the universe, the home which He created for us.

For example, the act of cooking might seem to some as very mundane. But in Jewish tradition food occupies a sacred role. Just as Hashem provides sustenance, and the Lechem Hapinim were featured in the Mishkan, so in our own mini-Sanctuary, the Jewish Home, we ensure that proper attention is paid to providing nurturing food.

Similarly, many people might consider acts of home maintenance to be most mundane. Yet, just as the sun, moon, and stars, provide light to the world, and the Menorah provided light in the Mishkan, so do we pay attention to the lighting of our homes. If you recognize your home as a mini-Sanctuary, then changing a light bulb is a sacred act as it parallels Hashem’s creation. Your diligence and attentiveness ensures that the nurturing purpose of your home is achieved.

In fact even cleaning the home periodically is a means of emulating Hashem. Virtually every day Hashem causes wind to blow and to clean His world of debris. Did you ever notice how much garbage collects around bushes or near the fences of large open areas? All of that debris was blown to the side in an effort to make the world a pleasant place to live. Keeping the home clean is yet another way of emulating G-d and recognizing the sacredness of the Jewish home.

When we refer to the Jewish home as a mini-Sanctuary it is a very real comparison. Our mundane acts of upkeep are physical, tangible ways to emulate the hospitable ways of G-d. So, whether you own or rent, live with family, roommates, or alone, your home is your opportunity to emulate Hashem. Go ahead, make your house into a home. Sanctify it with mitzvos; emulate Hashem.

When Hashem saw the Menorah lit by Ahron He said, “I like your acts of illumination even more than mine.” So may your mini-Sactuary find favor in Hashem’s eyes. May He look at the Sanctuary that you maintain and say, “I like it …I really like it.”