Shabbat Shalom

Above the new and beautiful aron kodesh (holy ark) in our renovated sanctuary is inscribed a verse that reads: “And they shall make for Me a sanctuary and I shall dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). The calligraphy was appropriately created just for this purpose by our Rabbi Emeritus, Gordon Freeman, as a way of honoring the integral role that he has played as a leader and member of our holy community for so many years. The words are excerpted from the very beginning of this week’s Torah reading, parashat Terumah, in which God instructs the Israelites standing at Mount Sinai to construct a portable sanctuary that they can carry through the wilderness on their journey to the Land of Israel.

The classic commentators ask the following question: if the Israelites are to construct a sanctuary, why does God express an intention to dwell among them (referring to the community), rather than within it (alluding to the sanctuary, itself)? The wording seems wrong, but of course, it never is. Rather, it instructs us specifically regarding two things: first, defining the role of each individual in creating holy space, and second, locating the presence of God within the community.

In terms of the first, the text makes clear that each Israelite is expected to contribute one-half of a shekel – the same amount for each person. This teaches us that everybody must share equally in the process of creating the mishkan (tabernacle/sanctuary), and that nobody is entitled to a greater share of the honor of participation by virtue of his or her available resources. I would propose a slight refinement to this guideline: each member of the community has a unique ability to contribute to the growth of the community. For some, it will be financial capacity, for others, energy and hard work, and yet for others, knowledge, wisdom and talent. In some ideal sense, it would be wonderful for each individual to contribute extensively, without comparing the contributions of one to the contributions of the other. Further, each of us should feel needed and necessary in promoting the overall welfare of our community.

This leads to the second point: the text teaches us that God’s presence will dwell within our midst if we do the work of constructing holy space. To be sure, God does not need a physical structure to live in, and such a thing is even impossible to imagine. Rather, we learn that when we invite holiness into our lives – by creating distinction and meaning within our places, our relationships, and the moments in our lives – we invite God to be present with us. The magic of what is eternal and true can abide with us in everything we do and everywhere we go.

This coming week, think about what special gifts you have to offer to the community and to those around you, and what you can do to bring God’s presence – or holiness in some fashion – into your life.

I hope you will share your thoughts and reflections here.

Shabbat shalom.