Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets
Parashat Terumah. Exodus 25:1-27:19
“Tell the Israelite people to bring me gifts” (Ex. 25:2)
After 40 days Moshe comes down from the mountain and conveys God’s message: “Tell the Israelite people to bring me gifts, (Terumah – Root: ר-ו-מ “lifting up, as in a contribution”); you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved.” (Ex. 25:2)
These gifts will be free will offerings of the heart, not obligatory and a valuable lesson in learning that it is in giving that we receive.
“And let them make me a sanctuary (Mikdash – Root: ק-ד-ש “to be hallowed”) that I may dwell among them.” (Ex. 25:8)
“Exactly as I show you – the pattern of the Tabernacle (Mishkan – Root: ש-כ-נ “to dwell”) and furnishings – so shall you make it.” (Ex. 25.9)
This elaborate tent-shrine gave rise to a later concept of Shechinah, which shares the same root (ש-כ-נ) and denotes the indwelling and intimately felt presence of God.
We marvel at the precise measurements and meticulous instruction for the Israelite builders, whose focus will be on God’s presence and the portable sanctuary they will carry as they wander in the wilderness and draw closer in relationship with Him.
Why does God, who has been with His people through plagues, releasing them from slavery, parting of the Sea, providing manna for sustenance, now seek to dwell among His people? Was the Divine intention to dispel a false idea that God was remote from humankind?
In his book, “Man is Not Alone”, Abraham Heschel shares an insight on the Divine concern:
“… the moral and spiritual state of man engages His attention. It is true that His concern is, to most of us, one of the most baffling mysteries, but it is just as true that to those whose life is open to God, His care and love are a constant experience.” (p 144)
“In every person there is an unquenchable urge to worship and revere; a need to be needed by God. Our need of Him is but an echo of His need of us.” (p 247-248)
Reflection:
Prayerfully consider the constancy of God’s dwelling in every heart which is willing to let Him in.
Prepared by Mary Ann Payne
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“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4