Parsha Terumah

God has promised to dwell AMONG (b'tokham) the Israelites, ergo we receive the extremely detailed instructions down to the copper rings and cubits of fabric,(for those of you wondering, a CUBIT is approximately 18 inches) even the colors, the kinds of wood, the length of the poles and a set of instructions for the Ark of the Covenant  that has inspired some to believe it was built to be some kind of sci-fi radio receiver to receive messages from space aliens!  

Once assembled, this portable sanctuary the Israelites will march forth with their God. 
 

But what is really being built in this parasha?  Is it a structure? Without a doubt; we have the floor plans.  But if God is to dwell amongst US, there must be a cohesive US.  In calling on each individual to contribute to the making of sanctified dwelling place for God, a COMMUNITY is formed.  Each person has a part to play, a skill to bring, a resource to contribute.  In the end they have constructed a space imbued with meaning and sanctity.

I am reminded of the time when a few members of a Boy Scout Troop helped us to build the FJC Sukkah. They were not Jewish, and until they arrived and I spoke with them, they had no idea what a Sukkah was, or why we needed one.  Upon completion of the Sukkah, what struck the boys was how, starting only with wood, nails and bamboo, they were able to construct a place to dwell, that served as a spiritual place, and they had done it through their combined efforts.   They were only twelve years old, but they got the significance of their actions. They understood that in this structure, holiness would dwell, and those participating in rituals of Sukkot would feel God in their midst.

As you read "Terumah" imagine the effort it took for this group of "stiff necked people" who, up until now, have done nothing but KVETCH to Moses, to work together so that they ALL could benefit from God's presence in their lives.