By Michael R. Mantell. Ph.D
SAN DIEGO — For many years, I’ve been writing and speaking about, sharing my vision of, our community coming together, embracing our differences, constructing a holy community and sacred space, a United Kehilla. On initial reading of this week’s Parashat Terumah we may seem to be focused on opulent interior design. The text provides detailed depictions of the splendid content of the Mishkan. Inside of this Torah reading however, there is a profound lesson on the value of unity.
Hashem calls upon us through Moses to come together and contribute fifteen sacred materials for building the Mishkan. Each offering, brought by those whose hearts stir them, will become a precious gift for this holy place. Gold, silver and copper; vivid blue, royal purple and crimson yarns; fine linen, goat hair and sturdy animal skins; strong acacia wood, pure olive oil, fragrant spices and sparkling gems. This vibrant array of varied hues and textures signifies that we would be wise to welcome a spectrum of talents and backgrounds within our community. By pooling our diverse experiences and identities as Jews, hand-in-hand, linked together, united, we can raise up a sacred space reflecting the light within us all.
This extensive portrayal of the items required for the Mishkan underscores the variety and richness of color and material, symbolically recognizing that a sacred community thrives when it embraces the distinct experiences and identities of us all. These intricate descriptions also serve as a powerful reminder: even in the harshest, most diverse wilderness, our connection to Hashem and His commandments don’t fade, but intensify. The lesson of these materials is that there is need and room for all…all. The differences in our observance, our beliefs, our lives, are all welcome and needed. What can we do to insure that in our synagogues and schools, we do the same? Sadly, there is much room for us to grow in becoming a Mishkan, a United Kehilla.
The desert wanderings weren’t easy. Yet, amidst hardship, Hashem declares, “Ve’asu li mikdash veshachanti betocham” (Exodus 25:8) – “They shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell among them.” This isn’t mere shelter; it’s a promise of His presence, a haven of connection in the midst of isolation. He further emphasizes, “Veno’adeti lecha sham” (Exodus 25:22) – “I will commune with you there.” Not with specific people, but with us all. The Tabernacle isn’t just a structure; it’s a conduit for closeness, a reminder that Hashem’s love and guidance endure even in challenging times. The Malbim, (Rabbi Meir Leibush ben Yechiel Michel) understood this pasuk as, “I will dwell within them,” that is, among the people, not within it, the sanctuary.
Making a sanctuary is understood to be the requirement for Hashem to dwell within us. We cannot be passive and expect Hashem to dwell within us. We are required to take the first step. He doesn’t live in a building, isn’t restricted to one place, but rather lives within us, within our hearts, and within our minds. The best kind of masterpiece comes from inside a person, not from outside. It’s like crafting a beautiful soul. Doing good things shapes the soul into a work of art. Seeing the good in the world also polishes the soul. Little by little, the soul grows more beautiful. With enough good deeds and seeing enough beauty, the soul starts to shine. It becomes something amazing and one-of-a-kind – a true masterpiece. The soul turns into a work of art more special than any building, painting, or statue. Crafting a soul is the most unique art, and it comes from within. It happens by living a good life and really noticing and connecting with all the good around you. Do that long enough, and your soul will become your life’s greatest creation.
Rebbe Nachman was a wise teacher who said giving generously makes your heart very special. In his lessons, he explained that when you open your heart all the way to give to others, it stays open. And when your heart stays open, precious gifts pour in from Hashem above. The gifts you receive back aren’t made of gold, silver, or jewels. The gifts come from Hashem’s Heart, which is full of Divine Pleasantness. Rebbe Nachman called this “Noam HaElyon” – the Pleasantness from the Highest Place.
So, when your heart is all the way open to give, Hashem’s Pleasant Heart opens all the way back to you. More wonderful than money or treasures, you receive Divine gifts of love, joy, and every good thing. This is what happens when you give completely, from your heart’s depths. Your open heart lets you connect to the Pleasantness of Hashem’s Heart.
Where do you let Him in to help craft your soul? What sanctuary in your life have you built for Him to dwell within your soul? Does Hashem really need a sanctuary, or does He recognize that we need to participate in building one so that we feel, we know, that He is within ourselves? The answer is clear, isn’t it? Rabbi Isaac Abravanel raised this, “Why did [Hashem] command the erection of the tabernacle, when [Hashem] said ‘that I may dwell among them,’ as if Hashem were an object demarcated and limited in space—which is the opposite of the truth!… After all, Hashem himself spoke these words through the prophet Isaiah (66:1): “The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what kind of house can you build for me?”
Answers Maimonides in Sefer HaChinuch, “Know, my child, that any commandment that Hashem requires of humankind comes only out of Hashem’s desire to benefit us . . . Hashem’s command to build the Tabernacle, for us to offer therein our prayers and sacrifices, comes not out of Hashem’s needs to dwell in an earthly dwelling among humankind, but rather [out of Hashem’s awareness that we need] train our own selves.”
Over 900 years ago, a wise teacher named Rabbi Bachya wrote an important book called Duties of the Heart. It teaches about “interior decorating” – making your soul beautiful inside. Rabbi Bachya quotes a verse from Proverbs that talks about the human soul: “The lamp of Hashem is the soul of man, searching all the inner rooms.” This means He put a special light inside each of us. Our soul is like a lamp, shining in every part of our inner self.
This verse helps us on our inner journey. One of our most important “heart duties” is to explore our own soul, like we would explore the rooms of a holy place. We need to light up all the dark corners within ourselves, like the seven-branched menorah lit up the holiest temple room.
The Torah says a person is like a tree, and one is not better than another. He makes no room for “holier than thou.” Well, we are also like that golden menorah, meant to stand tall and bright in our own inner holy place. We just need to keep our lamp burning and search through all our inner rooms. That’s how we decorate our soul and make it as beautiful as it’s meant to be. We become more beautiful by welcoming those who feel outside.
Therefore, Parashat Terumah isn’t merely a construction manual. It’s a prescription for resilience in hard times. It reminds us that our connection to Hashem and His instructions aren’t burdens, but lifelines. Building the Tabernacle, meticulously following the details, becomes an act of faith and hope, a way to cultivate and strengthen our own soul, and most importantly, our relationship with Hashem, especially when we need it most.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun. He may be contacted via michael.mantell@sdjewishworld.com