T’rumah

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 measurements are given for all spaces as well as specific materials designated for the composition of the mishkan.

 

Ex. 25:31-32 “You shall make a lamp stand of pure gold; the lamp stand shall be made of hammered work; its base and its shafts, its cups, calyxes, and petals shall be of one piece. Six branches shall issue from its side…”

            For most of Jewish history, the seven branched menorah stood as the principal symbol of Judaism. Contrary to some of the other implements of the Mishkan, the precise way this object was to be constructed was not exact. Midrash informs us that Moses needed God to sketch the design so that the menorah could be properly made.

            This suggests that the Torah is not the alpha and omega of Jewish tradition. The Sages of the Mishnah and the Talmud “added” significantly to the basic text’s requirements, just as Moses needed additional information on the menorah’s construction.

The implication is that Revelation through interpretation is an ongoing process, and that we get to play our own part in it. One might also think that since the menorah had seven branches, while each branch is separate, it takes them all, together, to bring light into the world.