This week’s parsha explains that the Children of Israel were to undertake a building project to build a Mishkan, the portable tabernacle. It was to be set in the middle of the Israelite camp. All were to be generous in their giving!
Jews for centuries have made their shuls, their synagogues, their “portable tabernacles.” They are places for sharing each others’ joys and supporting each other at times of sadness, suffering and tragedy.
As space for religious experience or quiet, meditative time the simple, elegant and beautiful religious aesthetic inspires. The Torah Ark in the center reminds of the commandment to build an ark so that God may dwell within our midst.
Since the days of our people’s wilderness experience Jews have inclined their hearts to give generously towards building sanctuaries – their synagogues. While the Beit HaMikdash, the Temple in Jerusalem, was a central address when it stood, today we see shuls as centering Jewish hearts and minds.
Rabbi Moshe ben Nachman (Ramban) taught that the Mishkan, or Tabernacle, was a resting place for God’s Divine presence and a replacement for the experience of receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai. We could all use a little more encounter with the Divine and a little more Torah wisdom for life!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Bolton