Teruma- Adar's Joy: Building Hashem's Dwelling in Our Hearts

Adar’s Joy: Building a Dwelling for Hashem in Our Hearts and Homes

As we enter the joyful month of Adar, we are called to marbim b’simcha—to increase our joy. But what is the deeper meaning behind this? The very word Adar (אדר) holds a secret: "Aleph" (א) for Hashem, and "Dar" (דר), meaning He dwells. Hashem desires to dwell not just in the heavens, but here with us—ba’tachtonim, in the physical world.

This week’s message draws inspiration from the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the place where Hashem’s presence rested among Bnei Yisrael. Just as a king might send his daughter to a distant land and prepare a special chamber for her, Hashem asks us to prepare a dwelling for His Shechinah. But today, how do we do that in our personal lives?

The Purpose of the Mishkan: Revelation or Atonement?

Chazal offer two explanations for the building of the Mishkan:

1. Continuing RevelationAfter the awe-inspiring revelation at Har Sinai, the Mishkan allowed Bnei Yisrael to maintain an ongoing connection to Hashem’s presence, offering a daily sense of closeness.

2. Atonement for the Golden CalfOthers explain that the Mishkan served as a kapara (atonement) for the sin of the Golden Calf. Through this, the very gold that had been misused was now elevated in the service of Hashem—transforming sin into devotion.

   The Torah’s order—placing Parshiot Terumah and Tetzaveh before Ki Tisa—highlights Hashem’s mercy. Even before we stumble, Hashem lovingly provides a path for return.

The five Parshiot dedicated to the Mishkan (Terumah, Tetzaveh, Ki Tisa, Vayakhel, Pekudei) emphasize this core truth:“Ve’shachanti b’tocham”—“I will dwell among them.”Hashem desires not only a Mishkan of gold and wood, but a dwelling within each of us—in our homes, in our hearts.

Building Your Personal Mishkan: Yirah and Ahavah

The Torah outlines three types of donations for the Mishkan:

• Two Fixed DonationsThe half-shekel given for the Mishkan’s silver sockets and for communal korbanot teaches us the value of structure and discipline—symbolizing yirat shamayim (fear and awe of Hashem), which forms the foundation of observance.

• One Voluntary Donation“Ish asher yidvenu libo”— each person gave as their heart inspired them. This represents ahavat Hashem—serving Hashem with love and generosity, not only obligation.

When Hashem says “Take for Me a donation,” we are reminded that everything we have ultimately comes from Him. In giving tzedakah and performing chesed, we fulfill our true purpose—returning His blessings to the world.

Zahav, Kesef, Nechoshet: Levels of Giving

Even the metals used in the Mishkan—gold, silver, and copper—offer spiritual lessons:

• Zahav (gold): giving generously when healthy and blessed.

• Kesef (silver): giving in times of challenge or danger.

• Nechoshet (copper): giving even when weak or sick.

We are encouraged not to wait for crises to motivate us—rather, to seize every opportunity to give, with joy.

The Mishkan’s Furniture: Lessons for Life

The Mishkan’s vessels also teach us how to structure our personal spiritual lives:

• The Aron (Ark)The first vessel described—because Torah must be at the center of our lives. Made of gold and wood, it symbolizes strong principles combined with growth. The non-removable poles teach us to carry Torah with us always. Its half-measurements remind us to remain humble—no matter how much we learn, there is always more.

• The Keruvim (Cherubs)Two youthful angels facing one another and reaching upward. They represent shalom bayit—Hashem’s presence dwells where there is peace and unity between husband and wife.

• The Shulchan (Table)Symbolizing parnassah—our livelihood. The Lechem HaPanim remained miraculously fresh, teaching that Hashem provides sustenance. We should share our blessings, using material gifts for good.

• The MenorahThe light of Torah: “Ner mitzvah v’Torah or.” Shaped like a tree, the Menorah reminds us to continually grow, rooted in the past, reaching upward in spiritual development.

• The Kerashim (Wooden Planks)Fashioned from acacia trees brought to Egypt by Yaakov Avinu in preparation for redemption—reminding us of the importance of foresight and bringing holiness into our future homes.

The Simcha of Adar: Welcoming Hashem Into Our Hearts

In this month of Adar, we remember that Hashem desires to dwell within us. Like a king preparing for his daughter’s visit, Hashem hopes our homes and hearts will be ready for Him.

A Story of Hashgacha Pratit: The Taxi Driver Shidduch

Here is a beautiful reminder that Hashem dwells among us—even in surprising ways:

Over 30 years ago, a young American man struggling with shidduchim visited Israel. On a fast day, after davening at the Kotel and feeling discouraged, he hailed a taxi. The driver sensed his sadness and listened as the young man shared his heartache. Without hesitation, the driver turned off the meter and said:“We’re going to Meron!”

Though the young man protested (being a Kohen, unable to enter the kever), the driver insisted:“You’ll daven outside; I’ll daven inside.”

Half the night the driver prayed for this stranger. Weeks later, through a chance meeting, a shidduch was suggested—and the young man became engaged. By a twist of Divine providence, the kallah later entered a taxi—and it was the same driver! The driver exclaimed:“David Cohen?! I prayed for you! Baruch Hashem!”

This heartwarming story reminds us that Hashem is always with us, working behind the scenes, even through strangers.

Wishing you all a joyous and uplifting Adar, filled with simcha, emunah, and the light of Hashem’s presence in your homes and hearts. Have a beautiful Shabbos!