Parshas Pekudei: God's Ultimate Dwelling Place is Within a Human Being

We again have two Torah readings this week, our regular reading, Parshas Pekudei, Shemot (Exodus) 38:21-40:38 and because of the new month of Nissan falling this Sunday, Parshas Hachodesh: Shemot (Exodus) 12:1-20. Pekudei means 'tallies,' referring to the individual contributions of precious metals made to the Tabernacle Fund to fashion the elaborate furnishings and ornaments described in the portion. Everyone donates something.

On the first day of the new month of Nissan in the year 1312 BCE, Moses dedicates the newly finished Mishkan in service to Almighty God. Moses places the ark, the menorah, the altar, and other holy items in their appointed places inside the Mishkan. Sacrifices and incense are offered up to Heaven. Aaron and his sons assume their priestly obligations. The presence of God, manifested as a glorious cloud, settles upon the structure. This must have been an absolutely astonishing and awesome sight to see!

Our regular Haftarah portion this week, I Melachim (Kings) 7:51-8:21, describes similar events surrounding King Solomon's temple. In 827 BCE with construction recently completed, the priests transfer the Ark to the Holy of Holies in the new Temple. Again, the presence of God manifests as a glorious cloud settles upon the structure.

Our special Haftarah readings due to Rosh Chodesh this Sunday and Passover in two weeks are Shabbat Hachodesh Machar Chodesh: Yechezkel (Ezekiel) 45:18 - 46:15; Shmuel I (Samuel) 20:18 and Samuel I 20:42. The Ezekiel reading begins by detailing a week of required temple sacrificial rituals to prepare for the Passover holy days. This preparation includes sin offerings to God to cleanse the Temple for the actions and words of 'mistaken and simple-minded men.' The Ezekiel reading ends with complex worship guidelines for people during Shabbat and Festivals, including Rosh Chodesh, the new moon celebrations. The first Samuel reading refers to David's upcoming absence at the Rosh Chodesh celebrations due to his flight from Saul's intention to kill him. The second Samuel reading is a generational pact of friendship between the two men and their families.

We adorn our temple not with precious metals and gems, but with gratitude for the gift of life, genuine humility and sincere pursuit of God's will for us. When each of us donates our heart and mind to this inner sanctuary, a glorious cloud of peace will dwell among us again, without interruption and for eternity.

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Cecily Routman

May there be abundant peace from Heaven, and good life upon us and upon all Israel. Amen.

Cecily Routman is the founder and president of the Jewish Pro-Life Foundation. She opposes abortion homicide in general and among Jews in particular and laments secular policy making in Israel that results in loss of Jewish life and delays the messianic redemption. She envisions a Torah based holy Land of Israel and a world that respects the life of every human being from conception.