Parshas Terumah: Building Our Inner Sanctuary

This week’s Torah portion, Parshas Terumah, Shemot (Exodus) 25:1-27:19, describes in meticulous detail the materials, design, and assembly of the Mishkan, a mobile Sanctuary where the Almighty will dwell on earth. Terumah means to offer, and in this portion the Israelites are ordered to offer many precious materials to decorate the Mishkan and to craft the holy items within it. This dwelling will be exquisitely constructed to provide a place worthy of God's presence. 

Learn more about the Mishkan inWhat Was the Tabernacle (Mishkan)? 

https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2133493/jewish/What-Was-the-Mishkan-Tabernacle.htm

In Exodus 25:8, God tells Moses to convey this directive, They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I will dwell amidst them.

This marks a monumental leap in the spiritual evolution of humanity. Previous awareness of God was revealed through miracles of short duration. Now, the presence of God will reside in the physical realm. His close proximity will allow people to develop a stronger relationship with Him that will show us how to create a Heaven on earth.

Looking deeper into this account, we recognize that the ultimate dwelling place of God is within each and every one of us. We have a lifetime to build a pleasing mind and body in which God's presence can live in the closest proximity to us and inform our thoughts, words and actions. Torah provides the precious materials and architectural designs for an inner temple impervious to eroding forces of nature and safe from tumultuous human events. When carefully built according to the instructions, we have a mobile inner sanctuary filled with a Divine guidance system that never fails us.

Cecily Routman

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