1. Two Aspects of the Beis HaMikdash
The halachos of the Beis HaMikdash, as explained in the sichos of the Rebbe and the teachings of the Maggid, reveal that there are two distinct aspects to the Mikdash. The first is its structure as a sanctified space—a makom kadosh—a holy place designated with Hashem’s Name. This means that within this space, Hashem causes His Shechinah to dwell. The Torah describes this as Hashem speaking with Moshe Rabbeinu from within the Mikdash, indicating a unique connection between Hashem and this physical location.2. The Mikdash as a Place for Korbanos
The second aspect is that the Beis HaMikdash serves as a place for bringing korbanos—sacrificial offerings. Three times a year, people would come to the Mikdash to bring their korbanos, fulfilling one of its central functions. Thus, there are two main elements: it is both a holy site where Hashem’s presence rests and a designated location for sacrificial service.3. Rambam vs Ramban: What Is Primary?
A major question arises regarding which aspect is primary: Is the main purpose of the Mikdash to be a dwelling place for Hashem’s Shechinah, or is it primarily meant as a site for offering korbanos? This is at the heart of the famous dispute between Rambam and Ramban. Understanding what Hashem truly desires when commanding us to build a Mikdash helps clarify this debate.4. Rambam’s View: Focus on Korbanos
According to Rambam, the primary function of building the Beis HaMikdash is to provide a place for bringing korbanos. All of the vessels and structures—the menorah, shulchan, mizbeach, and so on—are constructed in order to facilitate this avodah (service). The mitzvah to build a house for Hashem is so that there will be a dedicated site for these offerings. Rambam writes explicitly that building the Mikdash is not an independent mitzvah just to have a holy structure; rather, it must be suitable for bringing korbanos in order to fulfill its purpose.5. The Role of Keilim in Building the Mikdash
This perspective explains why all elements—the menorah, shulchan, mizbeach, and other vessels—are considered integral parts of constructing the Mikdash. They are not independent mitzvos but rather details necessary for fulfilling the commandment to build a sanctuary for Hashem. When Hashem commands “ve’asu li mikdash—make Me a sanctuary,” He intends that all these components be included together as part of one unified structure.6. What Happens When There Is No Mikdash?
A practical question arises: What if one builds only some components—for example, just the menorah or just the mizbeach—or if there is no Beis HaMikdash at all? According to Rambam, if you do not have all necessary elements or do not intend them as part of building a sanctuary for korbanos, you have not fulfilled what Hashem commanded. Even after destruction or absence of the Beis HaMikdash, certain aspects like making vessels can continue, but they do not constitute fulfillment of building the actual sanctuary unless they serve its full function.7. Ramban’s View: The Dwelling Place Itself Is Central
Ramban disagrees and holds that the essential purpose of building the Mikdash is simply to create a dwelling place for Hashem’s presence—a makom l’shechinah. This goal stands independently from any specific avodah performed there. When Hashem commands “mikdash,” He means establishing a place where He can dwell among us, regardless of whether korbanos are brought at any given time.8. Implications for Counting Mitzvos and Practical Halacha
Accordingly, Ramban would count each vessel or component as an independent mitzvah because each contributes separately to creating this dwelling place for Hashem’s Shechinah. In contrast, according to Rambam’s view explained above, we do not count them separately since their entire significance lies in enabling avodah within one unified sanctuary whose primary function is sacrificial service.9. Summary: Understanding What Hashem Wants from Us
In summary, clarifying whether building the Mikdash is primarily about creating a space for korbanos (Rambam) or about establishing a dwelling place for Hashem (Ramban) helps us understand both how we count these mitzvos and what our focus should be when studying or aspiring toward rebuilding the Beis HaMikdash today. Each approach shapes our perspective on what it means to fulfill “ve’asu li mikdash—make Me a sanctuary.”