Parshas Terumah: Promises Made Promises Kept

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. 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 foster a stronger relationship with Him. His constant presence will allow us 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 design for an inner temple impervious to eroding forces of human nature and safe from tumultuous human events. When carefully built according to the instructions, we have a mobile inner sanctuary, a Divine guidance system that never fails us.

The regular Haftarah reading this week is I Melachim (Kings) 5:26-6:13. This portion describes the major construction of King Solomon's Temple, an elaborate center of religious life that will house the Ark of the Covenant, a holy repository that safeguards the two stone Tablets received by Moses from the Almighty on Mt. Sinai.

The Creator promises great things for humanity if we respect the moral law inscribed on the Tablets. I Kings 6:11-23 reads: And the word of the Lord came to Solomon saying, "This house which you are building, if you walk in My statutes, and execute My ordinances, and keep all My commandments to walk in them; then will I establish My word with you, which I spoke to David your father. And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake My people, Israel."

Due to the upcoming holiday of Purim, we have special Haftarah readings this week: II Melachim (Kings II) 11:17 - 12:17. and Yesahayhu (Isaiah) 66:1, 66:23-24. Together, these readings highlight the ebb and flow of idolatry and holiness during several kingships in Israel. Sometimes kings and priests prioritize maintening the Temple and adhering to the Holy Covenant, sometimes they don't. Sometimes they heed Isaiah's warnings of extreme suffering should they promote Baal worship, sometimes they don't.

We all suffer from a common malady, human nature, that easily overrides our spiritual sensibility. However, any individual, political and religious leader can learn from the historical biblical account. and apply the moral law at home and at work. As individuals we can choose to worship God rather than ourselves, our reputation, our intelligence, or our portfolio statements. We can choose life instead of death for our pre-born and our elderly. Our political leaders can enact policies based on moral law rather than polling results. They can ban child sacrifice and pass pro-family legislation. Our religious leaders can preach life affirming Torah instead of rabbinic opinions that violate the most fundamental principle of Judaism, Pikuach Nefesh, saving life no matter what the circumstances. They can speak for our unborn children, those who cannot speak for themselves, instead of pander to boards and donors who demand allegiance to modern day Baal, Planned Parenthood.

Together, we can build a sanctuary where all life matters, no matter what!

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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.