From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, February 28, March 1/28 Shevat, 1Adar 5785
Rosh Chodesh:Adar Adar has Purim
This Shabbat the Torah portion has instructions from Moses to the Israelites to bring a terumah/donation for the building of the sanctuary. Concerning the tabernacle, G-d says to Moses, “And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). Instructions for the construction of the tabernacle are enumerated, including the ark and the poles for carrying it, made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, two gold cherubim facing each other, and so forth. Moses is instructed to build a menorah (lampstand) to hold seven lamps.
Do you have many questions? This Torah portion has so many instructions and information for G-d to Moses and the Israelites. Rabbinic commentators often ask: If G-d is everywhere, then why is G-d giving the command for the Israelites to build Him a sanctuary? The rabbis explain that G-d is not confined His presence to one place or space in particular. G-d dwells everywhere among the people, in all places. The sanctuary is only a symbol of the faith of the Israelites in the one and only G-d Who dwells in the hearts of the people.
The Kotzker Rebbe once asked: “Where does G-d dwell?” He answered: “Where you let Him in.”
The mizbe’ach: altar which was used for the sacrificial offerings, whose purpose it was to bring people closer to G-d. Each letter in Hebrew represents a virtue or a divine favor one can obtain through worship in the proper spirit.
Mem (Mechilah) is for forgiveness; Zayin (Zechut) merit, Bet (Berachah) blessing and Chet (Chayim) life.
Both the Torah and Haftarah connections are with the building of a Temple for G-d. Moses in the Torah portion built the tabernacle. King David’s strong desire to build a Temple for G-d, but he was not destined to see his dream come to fruition. His son King Solomon made the Temple with all the instruction and the help of 30,000 construction workers. It took over twenty years! Please realize the Holy Temple was destroyed twice, and now the Mosque stands there in Jerusalem. The Kotel/The Wall is the outer wall to reach the Holy Temple. Recently, 2009 I was the only one in my grant personnel allowed to enter a new archaeological site! I was the only Levi. The stone entrance had Hebrew writing with “Only Levi may enter”. The Levis would then bring the sacrificial offerings upward to give the Kohanim/Priests to sacrifice.
May we pray that one day Beit Chaverim will have its own sanctuary.
May we all pray for the remaining Hostages be returned to their loved ones.
Shabbat Shalom v’ Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
