Ex. 25:1-27:19
Précis: As the Israelites continue their journey through the wilderness, God tells Moses to ask the people for gifts to build the Tabernacle. “T’rumah” (voluntary donations) of fine metals, yarns, skins, and woods are offered by the People. God gives Moses precise instructions as to the interior and exterior construction of the mishkan (tabernacle). Specific items include an altar for burnt offerings, a curtain (parochet) to separate the main room from an inner sanctum, elaborate candlesticks, incense burners, and other tools. There will be a special Ark to be placed in an area called the Holy of Holies to house the tablets of the Ten Commandments. Precise measures are given for all spaces as well as specific materials designated for the composition of the mishkan.
Ex. 25:8 “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”
Rashi tells us that “mikdash” (here translated as “sanctuary”) means a place of holiness. During the past year, most of us have been deprived of our own “mikdash” due to the Covid pandemic. How can this verse, focused on a structure for use by all, be helpful at these difficult times?
I think that the important part of the verse is the concluding clause: “that I may dwell among them.” It does not state that God will dwell in the mikdash, but rather that the creation of the mikdash will provide a means for Him to be among all the people. This is a critical distinction. Our synagogue buildings may be largely if not entirely empty, but we are finding ways and means to make sure that we can acknowledge God's continuing presence among us. We do not believe that the Creator has a physical manifestation. How far is it from the concept of a transcendental (beyond human senses) God to a “virtual” community which gathers to honor Him through communal prayer via modern technology?
Yes, we are for now largely barred from our own buildings, but we must continue to be a community through the means which are available to us. May we be able, soon, to return to our shuls and join together in person in prayer and fellowship.
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