Light and Dark

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.

6 out of 7?

Vayakel

Exodus 35:1 - 38:20

Précis: Moses instructs the People again on the laws of Shabbat, and asks for a donation of gifts (both of material and service) for the construction of the Tabernacle. The appointment of the construction leaders is also included, and the construction begins. There are again specific descriptions of implements, articles, and of the Ark itself.

Ex. 35:2 “On six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of complete rest, holy to Adonai; whoever does any work on it shall be put to death.”

            A couple of question come into play with this verse. Was the death penalty really imposed for Shabbat violators? Those literalists who insist that “the Bible says” bar a range of activities that mandate punishment seem to remain strangely quiet about this commandment. Do fundamentalists go about stoning people for Shabbat violations? Not that I know of!

            As with almost every capital punishment issue, the rabbis made sure that the punishment was rarely if ever carried out. Perhaps the best interpretation (midrash) for their explanation of this commandment was that on Shabbat, we are imbued with a “second” special life, which comes to us at the onset of Shabbat and departs at Havdalah. Those who violate the Shabbat have this “second” life put to death – they are not blessed with the joy and meaning of Shabbat observance.

            A second  question raised by this verse tells us that the spiritual life is not limited to Shabbat! Part of our spiritual life – in fact 6/7ths of it - is found in our daily “work.” Yes, we are commanded to rest on Shabbat, but we are also commanded to work on the other days of the week. Work is a mitzvah which must be informed with the knowledge that work has its own sense of holiness.

            In a week where we read about the “work” of building the Tabernacle and the Ark, we should be reminded that intentionality (kavanah) is not limited to prayer and ritual on Shabbat, but needs to be part of our daily spiritual work lives.

            P.S.: And for those of us who are retired from so-called “gainful employment,” one might just add that we need to lead our weekday lives finding the same sense of holiness.