Terumah-Beyond Gold and Wood

Good morning, everyone! This message, sent from Jerusalem, is dedicated to the memory of Shoshana bas Rav Dov (Shoshana Weisbaum), whose joy for life and endless kindness remain unforgettable. It's also for the ilui nishmat of Reisel Rachel bas Rav Shmuel.

Last week, we explored the perspective of "half." This week, we embrace the perspective of wholeness – striving to build a perfect sanctuary, a model for our own homes, rooted in perfection.

The Mishkan: Chronological Command or Atonement?

There are two main interpretations regarding the command to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) in Parashat Terumah:

1. Chronological: Given immediately after Matan Torah at Har Sinai, the Mishkan served to prolong the extraordinary holiness experienced there, acting as a micro-cosmos representing all creation.

2. Post-Chet Ha'Egel (Sin of the Golden Calf): Given as an atonement (Kapara) after the sin, to help Bnei Yisrael regain their perfection. Hashem, in His infinite wisdom, provides the means for correction even before a sin occurs. Since the Chet Ha'Egel stemmed from a lack of unity, the Parasha begins with the mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel, a Kapara for this lack of unity, followed by the Mishkan.

Constructing Our Personal Sanctuaries: It Starts with the Heart

How do we build our own "Mikdash Me'at" (small sanctuary) within our Jewish homes? Hashem tells us: "Ve'Asu Li Mikdash Ve'Shachanti B'tocham" – "Make Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell among them." The dwelling is not in the physical structure alone, but within our hearts.

Everything begins with our thoughts (Machshavah). As the Lubavitcher Rebbe taught, "Tracht gut, vet zayn gut" – "Think good, and it will be good." To build a sanctuary, we must direct all our thoughts in a positive direction.

The Materials of the Mishkan: Character Traits for Life

The diverse materials used for the Mishkan represent essential character traits needed to build a perfect home:

• Gold: Represents firmness in principles – unwavering commitment.

• Wood (Atzei Shittim): Symbolizes growth – being open to learning and evolving.

• Oil (Shemen LaMaor): Represents warmth and enthusiasm – infusing our actions and homes with passion.

• Techelet (Light Blue Wool): The color of the sea, sky, and Kisei Kavod (Throne of Glory). It teaches us to look upwards, constantly striving for higher spiritual ambitions and remembering "Shiviti Hashem l'negdi tamid" (I have set Hashem before me always). This fosters a positive sense of judgment and mercy towards others.

Just as dignified clothing elevates our demeanor, we must clothe our Neshama spiritually with purity, firmness, and the aspiration for holiness.

The Vessels: Values and Crowns of Life

The Mishkan's vessels represent the fundamental values we must embrace:

• The Aron (Ark): Contained the Luchot (Tablets). Its dimensions were in halves (e.g., 2.5 cubits), teaching that no matter how much Torah we learn, we must always feel there is so much more to acquire. This prevents arrogance and encourages continuous growth, representing the Keter Torah (Crown of Torah). Every Jew, regardless of their learning capacity, has a share in Torah, whether through study or supporting those who learn (like Yissachar and Zevulun).

  • The Keruvim (Cherubs): These two angels on the Aron's cover symbolized love and unity. When Bnei Yisrael lived in holiness, the Keruvim faced each other in embrace. A lack of trust or holiness caused them to turn their backs, demonstrating how our private homes affect the sanctity of the Beit HaMikdash. Torah unites us; it's about sharing, learning together, and helping others.

• The Shulchan (Table): Held the twelve Lechem HaPanim (showbreads). While some dimensions were whole, others were halves. This teaches that true royalty (Keter Malchut) comes from sharing our wealth and material possessions with others, fostering contentment and generosity rather than greed. Our meals, when accompanied by blessings and gratitude, become like offerings on the Mizbeach.

• The Mizbeach HaZahav (Golden Altar): Where incense was offered. Its perfect dimensions represent the Keter Kehunah (Crown of Priesthood). Connecting to Hashem through prayer and offerings brings us to perfection (Shleimut).

• The Menorah: Shaped like a tree and a human body, narrow at the bottom and wide at the top. It symbolizes that humans have roots (firm connection to the past) but must also grow and bear the fruits of Mitzvot in their unique direction, bringing light into the world.

The Power of Torah: A Story of Unexpected Blessings

A beautiful story illustrates how clinging to Torah leads to unforeseen success:

A man needed money to marry off his child and sought advice from Rav Steinman zt"l. Rav Steinman advised him to go to America, but with two strict conditions: learn Torah for at least one hour daily, and always thank donors generously and cheerfully, no matter the amount.

In America, he struggled until he knocked on the door of a wealthy Israeli. Suddenly, a dog ran out, barking. The Israeli, surprisingly, took out a $10 bill and handed it to the dog, instructing the dog to give it to the collector. Remembering Rav Steinman's words, the collector calmly took the bill and profusely praised the dog's generosity, remarking that he'd never seen a dog "give tzedakah." The homeowner, visibly pleased, then directed the collector to his father-in-law's house across the street, instructing him to repeat the praise for the dog.

The collector did so, and the father-in-law, equally delighted, called his son-in-law over. It turned out the father-in-law had disapproved of his son-in-law owning a dog. The collector's praise had inadvertently brought reconciliation between them. Overjoyed, both men each wrote the collector a check for $18,000!

Upon returning, the collector excitedly told Rav Steinman that his success was due to thanking the donor. Rav Steinman replied, "Not at all. You succeeded only because you learned Torah every day! It's the power of Torah that helped you succeed."

This story reminds us that, like the Aron, our dedication to Torah brings true meaning and blessing to our lives.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and all my love from Yerushalayim!