Judaism

“Building an Everlasting Sanctuary”
(updated and revised from Pekudei 5768-2008)

The Tabernacle had been completed by Kislev. However, it was not erected for another three months, on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. The purpose of the delay was to enable the spirit of our Patriarch Isaac to pervade the Tabernacle. Although the workers and the architects attempted to raise the Tabernacle, only Moses could do so. He blesses the people in a way that emphasizes that the security of the Tabernacle really depends on the sanctity of the people.

“Bezalel's Artistic Legacy”
(updated and revised from Vayakhel 5765-2005)

Throughout the ages, Judaism has struggled with its mixed attitude toward art and sculpture. One of the few unconditionally positive statements about art is the Torah's
description in parashat Vayakhel of Bezalel’s, the Tabernacle’s master craftsman, many talents. Aside from his prodigious skills, Bezalel was also a master teacher of art, and it is not unlikely that, because of his artistry and singular devotion, we today enjoy the aesthetic gifts that have been passed down through him from generation to generation.

“Shabbat as a Priority in Jewish Life”
(updated and revised from Kee Tisah 5765-2005)

In the middle of the Torah portions that deals with building the Tabernacle and the sin of the Golden Calf, the Torah, unexpectedly, reaffirms the sanctity of the Sabbath day. From this, our rabbis deduce that Shabbat is a foremost priority that supersedes even the building of the Tabernacle, the Mishkan. This same overriding principle profoundly impacts on Jewish life in contemporary times.

“A Flame in Every Jewish Heart"
(updated and revised from Tetzaveh 5765-2005)

The "light" of the Menorah has multiple meanings. Our commentators teach us that every Jew must light a Ner Tamid, an eternal lamp, in his/her own heart, not only in the Tabernacle or the tent, but in the street, the marketplace and at the baseball game. Committed Jews must see themselves as "ambassadors" for Jewish life in order to stem the tide of assimilation and to win back the masses who have already walked away from Jewish life.

“Make for Me a Sanctuary, and I Shall Dwell in Their Midst”
(updated and revised from Terumah 5766-2006)

The syntax of the verse "and they shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I shall dwell among them," is rather odd. The purpose of this strangely constructed verse is to teach that G-d does not dwell in a sanctuary, but rather among the people of Israel. The questions remain: How are Jews to develop true passion in their relationship with G-d? How are we to light the fire that will ignite our hearts and souls in our worship of the Al-mighty G-d?