Pekudei
Exodus 38:21-40:38
Précis: The final parasha of the Book of Exodus begins with an inventory of the items used in the construction of the Mishkan, as well as the vessels and clothing collected by Moses and Aaron. When the accounts are squared, the completed structure is blessed. The Ark is placed within, as are the various holy vessels, and a cloud of glory descends and covers the tent.
Ex. 40:38 “For the cloud of Adonai was upon the Tabernacle by day and the fire on it by night...”
A traditional commentary on this verse suggests that every person is like a Sanctuary: there are times of darkness (when we are covered by the cloud) and times of light (when we are illuminated by the fire). When good fortune shines, one should remember that a cloud may appear to darken one’s life, and when things are dark, we can expect the return of light.
In our present political climate (I hesitate to call it political discourse) we are experiencing a time of troubling darkness. The Republican “field” expresses the perceived anger of their constituents with unprecedented vulgarity and personal attacks. One candidate supports torture, another turning the Middle East into a glowing field; one suggests that a 12 year old pregnant rape victim of incest should feel blessed for creating life. All seem intent on promoting religious intolerance and disparaging immigrants (while at least two seem to hypocritically boast of the success of their immigrant parents!). On the Democratic side, one candidate boasts about the progress we have made, the other decries our failures (at least it's a real policy debate!).
The darkness of this climate has been pointed out by the last two Republican nominees (Romney and McCain) in no uncertain terms. One former Republican candidate (who has dropped out during this iteration) suggests that a choice between Trump and Cruz is a choice between a bullet and poison.
I take heart, however, from this verse in our Torah. Just as every human being experiences times of light and times of cloud, America too vacillates between light and dark. In times of the greatest darkness, we need to place our trust in "Providence" (as did the nation’s Founders) and that the wisdom of the American people will restore us to light. I pray that I am right.
