Parashat Terumah (תְּרוּמָה), meaning “Offering,” introduces the instructions for building the Mishkan (Tabernacle), a portable sanctuary that symbolizes God’s presence among the Israelites. Spanning Exodus 25:1–27:19, this portion highlights the importance of sacred spaces, communal effort, and the relationship between the divine and the physical world.
1. The Call for Offerings
God commands Moses to gather contributions (terumah) from the Israelites for the construction of the Mishkan. The offerings are to come from a willing heart and include materials such as gold, silver, copper, fine fabrics, acacia wood, oils, spices, and precious stones.
Reflection:
The voluntary nature of the offerings emphasizes the importance of giving from the heart. It reminds us that the value of a contribution lies not in its size but in the spirit with which it is given.
2. The Ark of the Covenant (Aron HaBrit)
The first item described is the Ark of the Covenant, which will house the Tablets of the Law. The Ark is made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold inside and out. It is adorned with a golden cover (kaporet) and two cherubim facing each other. God promises to speak to Moses from between the cherubim.
Reflection:
The Ark, as the centerpiece of the Mishkan, symbolizes the centrality of the Torah in the Israelites’ relationship with God. The cherubim facing one another represent the importance of mutual respect and connection in sacred spaces.
3. The Table (Shulchan) and the Menorah
- The Table: Made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, the table holds the showbread (lechem hapanim), which is placed before God continually.
- The Menorah: A seven-branched golden lampstand is crafted from a single piece of gold, symbolizing unity and divine light.
Reflection:
The table and menorah highlight the balance between physical sustenance and spiritual illumination. They remind us that our material and spiritual needs are interconnected.
4. The Tabernacle Structure
God provides detailed instructions for the Mishkan’s construction:
- The Curtains and Coverings: Fine linen curtains are embroidered with cherubim, while outer coverings are made of goat hair, ram skins, and tachash skins.
- The Walls: Wooden planks of acacia wood are overlaid with gold and held together by silver sockets.
- The Veil: A finely woven veil separates the Holy of Holies (where the Ark is placed) from the rest of the Mishkan.
Reflection:
The intricate design of the Mishkan reflects the sanctity and care required for creating a space for God’s presence. It teaches us to bring intentionality and excellence to all sacred endeavors.
5. The Altar and the Courtyard
- The Altar of Burnt Offerings: Made of acacia wood and overlaid with copper, the altar is used for sacrifices and features horns at its corners.
- The Courtyard: Enclosed by linen hangings, the courtyard surrounds the Mishkan, creating a sacred space for communal worship.
Reflection:
The altar and courtyard emphasize the communal aspect of worship and the importance of creating spaces where individuals can come together to connect with the divine.
Themes and Lessons from Terumah
- Sacred Giving
The Mishkan is built through voluntary contributions, teaching us the power of collective generosity and the importance of giving with intention. - Sanctifying the Physical
The detailed construction of the Mishkan demonstrates how physical materials can be elevated for spiritual purposes, reminding us to infuse holiness into our daily lives. - Unity and Community
The Mishkan is a communal project, reflecting the importance of collective effort and shared responsibility in creating sacred spaces. - Divine Presence Among Us
The Mishkan represents God dwelling among the people, symbolizing the closeness of the divine and the potential for connection in all aspects of life. - Attention to Detail
The meticulous instructions for the Mishkan teach us to approach sacred work with care, precision, and reverence.
Conclusion
Parashat Terumah lays the foundation for the Mishkan, a physical manifestation of God’s presence among the Israelites. It challenges us to consider how we create sacred spaces in our own lives and to recognize the divine in the everyday. May the lessons of Terumah inspire us to build connections, infuse our actions with holiness, and bring light and unity to our communities.