Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27-19) Haftarah (I Kings 5:26-6:13)
Moses instructs 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”(Ex.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 cherubim facing each other, and so forth. Moses is instructed to build a menorah(lampstand) to hold seven lamps.
Terumah… The Torah portion states: “Speak to the children of Israel, that they may make me an offering” (Exodus 25:2). Here we see the importance of lending a helping hand in order that the construction of the Tabernacle can take place. Today, in synagogues around the world, Jewish people continue to make offerings, both monetary ones as well as volunteering their time. Tzedakah in the highest sense is giving of ourselves.
Keruotah… Learning Together
IT’S ADAR… BE HAPPY! PURIM IS COMING! LEAP YEAR SO WE ARE BLESSED WITH 2 MONTHS OF ADAR! EXTRA HAPPINESS!
Spring is in the air, pleasant smells of Hamentashen, sewing machines are whirring making costumes, and soon more fun activities will be happening in Jewish communities around the world.
Purim is the celebration of the reading of Megillat Esther.
In a country far, far, away…
In a century even before we were born…
There was a brave young Jewish girl.
An evil, Xman (we cannot write or say this name, but when we do, we drown own the sound of it) Yes, it can be quite noisy!
If I continue, I might spoil the story.
There are a lot of plots and twists and turns.
Lots of goodies after all the story is chanted!
Now is the time to really be HAPPY because Purim is coming and this is a Jewish leap year. The Jewish Leap has an extra month of Adar to bring extra joy to the Jewish people. Lately, the increase of Anti Semitic attacks and Remarks from individuals and groups are at a high. Please know I do write against these actions, however sometimes my remarks are not posted or they are delayed. I perserve!
The reason:
Where does G-d dwell? Rabbinic commentators often ask: If G-d is everywhere, then why does G-d command the Israelites to build Him sanctuary? The rabbis explain that G-d does not confine His presence to any one place in particular. Rather, G-d dwells among people everywhere, in all places. The sanctuary is only a symbol of 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: “Wherever you let Him in.”
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
