A Special Privilege
After all the parts of the Mishkan were made, the Torah verifies that each item was formed according to specification. In light of this, following the account of each part the Torah records, "as HaShem commanded Moshe." Indeed, this phrase is repeated eighteen times. The eighteen verses regarding the Mishkan correspond to the eighteen vertebrae found in the human spinal column. This implies that there is a unique relationship between the Mishkan and man. Specifically, the Mishkan is the "intermediary dimension" that links Heaven to earth. Man, the microcosm of the universe, has the spiritual capacity to draw the blessings and holiness of HaShem into the world through the Mitzvos that he performs. This is particularly relevant to the Shomeneh Esrei prayer, which is formulated with eighteen blessings, and the recitation of Krias Shemah, which mentions the Name of HaShem eighteen times.
Lesson: Klal Yisrael have the privilege to draw down HaShem's blessings, holiness, and light from the Spiritual Wellsprings of the Mitzvos.
Visualization: When you pray the Shemoneh Esrei prayer, envision the holiness of the Shechinah flowing into the world through each of the eighteen blessings -- and rejoice as you pray. (Based on the Midrash as explained by Rabenu Yonah)
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