From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, February 16, 2024/ 7 Adar I 5784
Summary of the Torah portion begins with Moses instructing the Israelites to bring a Terumah (donation) for the building of the sanctuary. Concerns on the tabernacle, G-d says to Moses, And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). They enumerated for the construction of the tabernacle and the ark. Also, the poles for carrying the ark would be made from acacia wood overlaid with gold, two gold cherubim facing each other, and more finite instructions. Moses is also instructed to build a menorah (lampstand) to hold seven lamps.
During the ancient eras the Israelites had a traveling ark, then the two Holy Temples in Jerusalem for all the people to worship G-d. After the destruction of the second Holy Temple the concerns were how to pray to G-d and where does G-d dwell? The Rabbinic commentators often ask: If G-d is everywhere, then why does G-d command the Israelites to build Him a sanctuary? The rabbis explain that G-d does not confine His presence to any one place. G-d dwells everywhere, wherever people dwell. The sanctuary is a symbol of the faith of the Israelites in one and only one G-d who dwells in the hearts and souls of the Jewish people.
Throughout modern eras the Jewish people gathered to pray to G-d in shuls, synagogues, Temples, and even in open spaces. When the Covid struck all human beings faith leaders had a challenge as to where to worship. The Jewish people throughout our over three millennia adapted to the changes and challenges how to worship G-d without a sanctuary. The answer to where G-d dwells comes from Rebbe Kotzker, “Wherever you let Him in.” Many sects of the Jewish people worship in their homes, and hybrid services became a new way to worship G-d as a congregation.
The modern technologies are not used by all sects of the Jewish people. These Jewish people gather in peoples homes, and walk to their places of sanctuary. If you ever visited my home, one would see my podium with my siddur. During Shabbat services I move my computer there so our congregation can pray together using Zoom!
Jews sometimes pray outside under the stars. Our congregation met during Covid for Hanukkah outside! G-d dwelled among us at ALL our sacred places because it was His holy sanctuary.
It will be over 130 days since the Barbaric attack by Hamas on Israel’s civilians and taking hostages. The Jewish people continue to watch from the diaspora and send their contributions, supplies, and support for Israel and her people. Two hostages were rescued by the Shin Bet (Special Ops) from individuals that worked for UNSWAR (UN fund that everyone now knows goes to Hamas and not the people of Gaza). May the hostages come home safe and speedily.
Shabbat Shalom v’ Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
