Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The Commons. Opinions and views shared during this program are
of those individual Freemasons and do not reflect the official
position of a Grand Launch, Concordant Body, ap Pendant Body,
Masonic Authority, or Craftsman Online dot com.
Speaker 2 (00:29):
Hey, welcome back to the Craftsman Online Podcast, the only
Masonic podcast endorsed by the Grand Lodge of New York.
I'm your host, right worshe for Brother Michael Arsa, and
we are ready to start the workweek together.
Speaker 3 (00:39):
This is pretty cool news.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
We have a really unique relationship with the Square Magazine. Worsfll.
Brother Nicholas Broadway is the publisher of the Square Magazine.
You've heard him featured on our podcast as a guest,
and a couple of years ago, Brother Nicholas and I
were talking about the idea of a podcast for the
Square Magazine. They officially have launched their podcast appropriately type
the Square Magazine Podcast, and we'd like to share an
(01:02):
episode with you. It's called the Grand Originals.
Speaker 4 (01:05):
Now.
Speaker 2 (01:05):
The cool thing about the Square Magazine we know them
as a great resource for Masonic education with articles from
top writers and authors all around the world. Well, Nicholas
is able to tap into technology. Some of you might
recognize how he's doing it to create these custom episodes
that you'll get every single week. Now you can find
the Square Magazine Podcast on the same places that you
(01:26):
can find the Craftsman Online Podcast. Without further ado, let
me introduce you to the Square Magazine Podcast.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Enjoy. Welcome to the Square Magazine Podcast. Are you ready
for a deep dive into a world of ancient craftsmanship
and leadership?
Speaker 4 (01:43):
I'm ready. Let's do it.
Speaker 3 (01:44):
Today. We're exploring an article called the Grand Originals, and
it looks at three trios from biblical stories. Okay, and
these trios oversaw the construction and restoration of some pretty
significant spaces for the Israelites. So we're going to be
talking about the Tabernacle, the Grand Temple in Jerusalem, and
then the Temple's eventual rebuilding. Okay, But it's way more
(02:06):
than just you know, like bricks and mortar, right. The
article really dies into the leadership styles of each of
these figures, the spiritual significance of their work, and even
touches on some pretty intriguing Masonic interpretation.
Speaker 4 (02:19):
It is really fascinating to think about how these stories
from so long ago offer these timeless lessons, you know,
We often think about leadership, you know, through a modern lens,
but these figures were dealing with very similar challenges, you know,
inspiring their teams, managing resources, and staying true to a vision.
Speaker 3 (02:37):
Absolutely, And what I find really interesting is that the
article starts with Moses Besiliel and a Holy ab the
trio behind the Tabernacle. You know, you might remember the
tabernacle as that portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with
them through the wilderness. But what's often overlooked is just
the incredible craftsmanship involved.
Speaker 4 (02:55):
Yeah, it is easy to kind of gloss over those details,
but the Tabernacle wasn't just a It was meticulously designed.
It incorporated these elements of what is known as sacred geometry.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Okay, wait, step right there. Geometry That sounds so complex.
Can you break that down for me and for our listeners.
Speaker 4 (03:12):
Well, just imagine incorporating symbolic meaning and spiritual principles into
the design itself. You know, it's this idea that certain
geometric shapes and proportions hold deeper spiritual significance. So think
about like the use of specific numbers, ratios, and patterns,
maybe even aligning the structure with celestial events. It really
(03:33):
suggests this belief that the physical world reflects a divine order.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
So it's not just about making something look pretty, it's
about using the design with these deeper layers of meaning.
And how does that relate to the Tabernacle specifically.
Speaker 4 (03:45):
Well, the article suggests that Basilio and a holyab were
these master craftsmen chosen by God, may have incorporated these
principles into their work. Think about like the intricate patterns
that are woven into fabrics, the very precise dement of
the structure, even the arrangement of the different spaces within
the tabernacle, all of this could have been designed to
(04:07):
reflect a deeper spiritual reality.
Speaker 3 (04:10):
Wow, that completely changes how I think about the Tabernacle. Yeah,
so it wasn't just a practical shelter. It was a
microcosm of the universe. It was a physical representation of
their beliefs.
Speaker 1 (04:19):
Right.
Speaker 3 (04:20):
That's incredible.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Yeah. And the fact that Moses, the leader, you know,
entrusted these craftsmen with such an important task, I think
that speaks volumes about his leadership style. You know, he
recognized that he couldn't do everything himself, and so he
empowered others he sought out people with specific specialized skills
and then he delegated that responsibility.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
Effectively, that's a leadership lesson that a lot of us
could probably learn from. You know, I identify and nurture
the talent within your team, let go of some of
the control, and trust others to do what they do best.
Speaker 4 (04:52):
Yeah. Absolutely, it's recognizing that true leadership is often about
enabling others to shine.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Okay, so we've got Moses the delegator, the visionary leader,
and then we have Bizaleel and a Holy app who
are bringing this incredibly detailed and spiritually infused craftsmanship to
the table. And it's just fascinating how this trio functions together.
Speaker 4 (05:15):
And you know, it raises the question of how is
this form of craftsmanship itself an active worship? You know,
these artisans weren't just building a structure. They were expressing
their devotion to God through their work.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
It's like their artistry became a form of prayer. You know,
was a way to connect with the divine. That must
have been such a powerful motivator.
Speaker 4 (05:32):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (05:33):
To know that every stitch, every measurement was an offering.
Speaker 4 (05:36):
It makes you think about, you know, how can we
find that sense of sacredness in our own work. You know,
whatever our profession might be, maybe it's about approaching our
task with more intention, with care, with the recognition that
even the most mundane activities can be imbued with meaning.
Speaker 3 (05:54):
I love that. Okay, So we've explored the Tabernacle trio.
Are we ready to move on to the next group
of grand originals?
Speaker 4 (06:01):
Yes, let's do it. This one involves a king, a
foreign ruler, and a figure shrouded in Masonic legend.
Speaker 3 (06:07):
Okay, I'm intrigued.
Speaker 4 (06:08):
Are you ready?
Speaker 3 (06:09):
I am?
Speaker 4 (06:10):
All right. So we're talking about the construction of the Temple.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
In Jerusalem, King Solomon's big project.
Speaker 4 (06:16):
Yes, exactly, So fill me in, filling our listeners, all right.
So we're shifting gears to a time of prosperity and expansion.
King Solomon, who was known for his wisdom, he wanted
to create a permanent temple in Jerusalem, something even grander
and more lasting than the Tabernacle. But he needed help,
especially in acquiring resources and the right expertise.
Speaker 3 (06:35):
Right, and that's where King Hiram of Tire comes in. Yes,
wasn't Tire known for its skilled craftsmen and having access
to those amazing cedar trees.
Speaker 4 (06:44):
Yeah, they were renowned for it, and I.
Speaker 3 (06:46):
Imagine those were pretty important for building a grand.
Speaker 4 (06:48):
Temple, absolutely essential. And so Solomon, being the strategic leader
that he was, he recognized the value of forming an
alliance with Hiram. The article describes their relationship as one
of mutual benefit. It was just a simple transaction.
Speaker 3 (07:01):
So Solomon gets as much needed resource as an expert craftsmen,
and Hiram gets a powerful ally and probably some favorable
trade agreement. It's a win win.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
It's a win win even in ancient times.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
And then there's this really intriguing figure, the master architect
who is said by Hiram of Tire to oversee the
temple's construction, Hiram Abiff. The article actually goes into some
Masonic interpretations of his story, which has another layer of intrigue.
What can you tell us about that?
Speaker 4 (07:29):
Well, in Masonic tradition, Hiram Abiff is legendary. He's revered
for his skill, his integrity, and his loyalty, and his
story it goes beyond just overseeing the temple's construction. He
actually becomes a symbol of those who hold sacred knowledge
and the importance of safeguarding that knowledge even when faced
with danger.
Speaker 3 (07:47):
Wait, I'm sensing a story here. What happened to Hiram Abiff?
Speaker 4 (07:51):
Well, Masonic tradition tells of a group of craftsmen who
wanted to force Hiram Abiff to reveal the secret knowledge
of Master Mason, but he refused, He upheld his oath,
he protected that sacred wisdom, and he was ultimately killed
for his loyalty.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
Wow. To talk about commitment, right, that is such a
powerful allegory about the importance of integrity, fidelity to one's principles,
and the potential consequences of staying true to your conviction.
Speaker 4 (08:17):
Exactly, and it raises all these questions, you know about
the ethical dilemmas we face today. You know, how do
we balance the sharing of knowledge with the need to
protect sensitive information. How do we act with integrity when
we're pressured to compromise our values? You know, Hiram A
Biff's story, though it's ancient, it still resonates with these
contemporary challenges.
Speaker 3 (08:35):
It really does. It seems like each of these trios,
you know, while they were focused on building or rebuilding
these physical structures, they also embody these much larger themes
of leadership, spirituality, and even ethical dilemmas that are so
relevant today. So we've got Moses the delegator, Bezel and
the holy of these divinely inspired artists, and now Solomon
the strategic collaborator and Hiram Abiff, the and wavering guardian
(08:58):
of knowledge. We go from here.
Speaker 4 (09:01):
Well, for our final trio, we'll delve into a story
of resilience and rebuilding, and we'll focus on the figures
who spearheaded the restoration of the temple after a period
of devastation and exile. It's a different kind of leadership challenge,
one that requires not just vision and skill, but also
a deep sense of hope and determination.
Speaker 3 (09:19):
Oh, I can't wait to hear more about that. This
deep dive is really highlighting how these ancient tales hold
these valuable insights for anyone who's interested in leadership, collaboration
and the power of a shared purpose. Yeah.
Speaker 4 (09:32):
So we've explored two trios so far. You know, Moses
Basilio and Aholiab who constructed the Tabernacle with this blend
of leadership and this divinely inspired artistry. And then Solomon
Hiram of tire and hi Ev, who demonstrated the power
of strategic partnerships and unwavering integrity in building Solomon's Temple.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Right, It's amazing how those stories highlight all these different
facets of leadership and grassmanship. Yeah, but now we're moving
into this different era, one marked by destruction and the
need to rebuild. And the article shifts focus to zarubabyle
Hagi and Joshua, who led the restoration of the temple
after the Bebylonian exile. Right, it's a story about picking
up the pieces and finding the strength to rebuild, not
(10:14):
just physically, but spiritually as well.
Speaker 4 (10:16):
It is a completely different kind of challenge. Yeah, you know,
just imagine returning to your homeland after decades of exile, right,
and finding your sacred spaces and ruins, your community scattered
and disheartened. Where do you even begin?
Speaker 3 (10:30):
Oh, it must have felt overwhelming. The article mentions zerubabyl
A descending to King David being appointed governor and tasked
with leading the reconstruction. That lineage must have carried so
much weight, a sense of responsibility to restore not just
the temple itself, but also a sense of national identity.
Speaker 4 (10:47):
Absolutely zerubable wasn't just a political leader. He was a
symbol of continuity, a link to their glorious path. But
leadership in this context it wasn't just about issuing orders.
It was about inspiring hope, reigniting faith, and mobilizing a
community that had been through this immense trauma.
Speaker 3 (11:06):
Right, that sounds incredibly donic. It makes you realize that
leadership in times of crisis requires a totally different set
of skills, you know, resilience, empathy, the ability to rally
people around a shared vision when it seems like all
is lost.
Speaker 4 (11:21):
Yeah, and that's where the prophet Hagai comes in. He
emerges as this really fiery voice urging the people to
prioritize the rebuilding of the temple, reminding them of its
spiritual significance, and you know they're covenant with God.
Speaker 3 (11:34):
The article quotes him saying, is it a time for
you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses while this
house lies in ruin? Talk about a powerful call to action.
He's not letting them off easy. He's challenging them to
rise above their own comfort and rededicate themselves to something
so much greater.
Speaker 4 (11:51):
He was like a spiritual coach pushing them beyond apathy
and complacency, you know, reminding them that rebuilding the temple
wasn't just about bricks and mortar. It was about rebuilding
their connection with God, their sense of community, their very
identity as a people.
Speaker 3 (12:05):
Yeah, it's like he's saying, look, I know you're tired,
I know you suffered, but this isn't just about a building.
It's about reclaiming who you are exactly.
Speaker 4 (12:13):
And So while Hagi provided that spiritual fire, the article
points out that Joshua, the High Priest, played a crucial
role in guiding the practical and ritualistic aspects of the restoration.
So he oversaw the religious ceremonies, ensuring that the rebuilt
temple would function as a true center of worship.
Speaker 3 (12:32):
So you have this really interesting dynamic Zerubabyl the political
leader whose task with overseeing the logistics of rebuilding, yes,
Hagi the prophet who's kind of stirring the people's hearts
and rekindling their faith, yes. And Joshua the High Priest,
who's ensuring that the restored temple is actually going to
serve its sacred purpose. It's another example of that collaborative
(12:53):
leadership that we've been seeing throughout all these stories.
Speaker 4 (12:56):
Yeah, it's like they each hold a piece of the puzzle.
Yeah represents the practical, hag Ii embodies the inspirational, and
Joshua provides that spiritual and ritualistic expertise. Together, they form
a complete picture of what it takes to rebuild after devastation.
Speaker 3 (13:13):
And think about the parallels to modern day challenges. We
see the same interplay of leadership roles and communities rebuilding
after natural disasters, in social movements fighting for justice, even
in companies that are trying to innovate and adapt in
a rapidly changing world.
Speaker 4 (13:29):
It's that idea of a shared purpose that we talked
about earlier. Right when people come together, each bringing their
own unique strengths to the table, extraordinary things can happen.
You know, it's not about finding one perfect leader. It's
about recognizing that different situations call for different types of leadership,
and often it's the combination of all those strengths that
makes the difference.
Speaker 3 (13:50):
This deep dive into the Grand Originals has been really
eye opening. We've gone from the construction of the Tabernacle
to the building of Solomon's Grand Temple, and now to
this store of its restoration. It's fascinating how all of
these seemingly different tales really speak to these timeless themes
of leadership, collaboration, and the pursuit of something greater than oneself.
Speaker 4 (14:12):
You know, we've explored different leadership styles, the significance of
craftsmanship as an act of worship, the importance of ethical
decision making, and that power of resilience in the face
of adversity.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
I'm curious what stands out to you is the most
significant takeaway from these stories. What's like the one big
idea that our listeners should walk away with.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
I think for me, it's that reminder that even these
figures from you know, thousands of years ago grappled with
challenges that still feel so relevant today totally. You know,
we've got Moses dealing with delegating and you know, keeping
his team unified on this huge project. And then they're
Solomon recognizing that even a powerful king needs to form
these strategic alliances to achieve a grand vision. And then
(14:54):
you know, it's just inspiring to see how rubebil Hi
Guy and Joshua, you know, they had to rally unity
that had essentially lost everything.
Speaker 3 (15:02):
Right, For me, it's that reminder that even these ancient
figures they grappled with challenges that feel so relevant to
us today. We've got Moses dealing with delegation, keeping a
team unified doing this massive project. Then there's Solomon recognizing
that even a really powerful king needs strategic alliances to
achieve this grand vision. And it's just so inspiring to
(15:23):
see how zerubable, Agi and Joshua had to rally this
community that had lost almost everything. Yeah, you know, it's
easy to kind of romanticize the past and think, oh,
they were so much more spiritual back then, but the
article doesn't shy away from the conflicts that doubts, you know,
the human struggles that these figures faced. Yeah, and it
makes their achievements that much more impressive knowing that they
(15:46):
weren't superhuman, they were just incredibly dedicated and driven by
this shared purpose.
Speaker 4 (15:52):
It reminds us that, you know, achieving something truly meaningful,
it often requires overcoming obstacles, navigating disagreements, and daying committed
even when things get really tough. Absolutely, you know, and
it's encouraging to know that even those who accomplish such
incredible things, yeah, you know, they also face these very
human moments of uncertainty totally.
Speaker 3 (16:12):
And I also keep coming back to that idea of
craftsmanship as an act of warship. Yeah, it's so easy
to get caught up in the daily grind and view
our work as just a way to pay the bills.
But these stories challenge us to find that deeper meaning,
that sense of purpose in what we do.
Speaker 4 (16:30):
It's a beautiful concept, isn't it. It is that by
pouring our hearts and souls into our work, by striving
for excellence, by seeking to create something beautiful or beneficial,
we can actually tap into a sense of the sacred
even in the most, you know, seemingly mundane tasks.
Speaker 3 (16:46):
I wonder how our listeners are connecting with these stories.
Maybe they're drawing parallels to their own leadership roles, or
their own creative pursuits, or maybe their own experiences of
rebuilding after setbacks.
Speaker 4 (16:55):
Yeah, I think there are so many ways these stories
can resonate. You know, perhaps they're our listeners to reflect on,
you know, their own collaborators, the people who help them
achieve great things. Where maybe they're inspiring someone to you know,
approach their work with a renewed sense of purpose and
see it as an opportunity for a creative expression and
even spiritual growth.
Speaker 3 (17:16):
It's really amazing how these stories from you know, so
long ago can still speak to us so directly, offering
guidance and inspiration for our own lives.
Speaker 4 (17:23):
That's the power of you know, timeless wisdom. It transcends
time and place and offers these insights that are as
relevant today as they were you know, countries ago.
Speaker 3 (17:32):
Well, we've certainly covered a lot in this deep dive
into the Grand Originals. We started by delving into the
stories of those three trios, you know, Moses Beziliel and
a Holy ab who built the Tabernacle, then Solomon Hiram
of Tire and Hiram Abiff who built that magnificent temple,
and then Zebra Bell Hagai and Joshua who spearheaded the
(17:53):
restoration of the temple after that time of devastation. And
throughout our conversation we've discussed leadership, collaboration, craftsmanship, and the
importance of finding that meaning and purpose in what we do.
Speaker 4 (18:05):
And for those of you who want to delve even deeper,
we encourage you to check out the full article The
Grand Originals in The Square magazine.
Speaker 3 (18:12):
You'll find a link to the article in the show notes.
Speaker 4 (18:14):
It's a fascinating rate.
Speaker 3 (18:16):
As we wrap up, I want to leave you with
this thought. No matter how grand or ambitious our goals
may seem, we don't have to achieve them alone. So
look around you. Who are your bezil eels in a
holy abs? Who are your hirearms of tire? Who are
your hag eyes and Joshua's? You know? Who are those
people who inspire you, who challenge you, who support you
and help you bring your vision to life?
Speaker 1 (18:37):
You know?
Speaker 4 (18:38):
Remember that greatness is often a collective endeavor, So embrace collaboration,
nurture those talents, and never underestimate the power of a
shared purpose.
Speaker 3 (18:47):
If you found this informative, please subscribe and share the
podcast with your friends and for more articles, follow the
Square Magazine at thet Square dot Magazine dot d dot com.
Speaker 2 (19:01):
Just a reminder, you can get the Square Magazine podcast
everywhere you would find the Craftsman Online podcast, and we
thank you for checking them out In advanced This is
right worship for Brother Michael Ars. We will be back
next week with our guest worship of Brother Nathan, Saint
Pierre and a great conversation on Preston Web ritual and
how it became the standard craft ritual that we practice
(19:23):
here in North America. Be ready for that next Monday.
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