Permanent and Mobile Sanctuary

They shall make a sanctuary [mikdash] for Me and I will dwell within them. According to all that I show you, the pattern of the Tabernacle [mishkan] and the pattern of its appurtenances, so shall you make it.   Exodus 25:8-9

          Our Sages [Talmud Bavli, Shavuot 16b] note that verse 8 uses the word "mikdash" [also the word for "Temple"], while verse 9 chooses the word "mishkan," and comment that "mishkan is also called mikdash" [the Tabernacle can be referred to as "Temple"].

          Torah Temima notes that our Sages' comment teaches halachic conclusions: the laws which applied to the Temple [for example, the prohibition to enter with one's walking stick or money pouch] applied in the Tabernacle as well.

          My father suggested an additional lesson:  Mikdash is permanent, while mishkan is mobile. Our Sages note that the verse does not say "They shall make a sanctuary [mikdash] for Me and I will dwell in it", rather "and I will dwell within them.", and explain that God, as it were, will dwell within the heart of every Israelite. That is, every Jew will establish sanctity within himself. Establishing the permanent "mikdash" within oneself, through commitment to the study and practice of Torah and mitzvot, allows one to create a "mishkan" wherever he may be. Torah not only transcends space, but endows one with the ability to sanctify whatever place he occupies.