Telephone Torah Study: God Gets New Digs
The Israelites start to build new digs for God (aka the Mishkan aka the Tabernacle) in this week’s Torah portion, T’rumah (Ex. 25:1-27:19). To join in on the conference call, please dial 702-851-4044, when prompted punch in 2, then our pass code 22252#.
Jump to: Suggested reading – from Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky | Selected verses of the week
Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky’s gives a contemporary insight into the building of the Mishkan in his short article ‘More than a Contactor’s List: God’s Presence Rests in a Place of Charity’:
This section of Exodus appears to read more like a contractor’s list of building supplies and instructions than it does sacred writ.
This week’s Torah portion is focused on the specific requirements for building the tabernacle. But this is the place where the Jewish people will focus their connection with the holy. It has to be more than just a prefabricated building or a set of architectural or interior designer plans for a local meeting hall. And to make sure that the Tabernacle reflects the deep, inner yearnings of the people, they are directed to bring gifts to further enhance the work of the builders and artisans, should they be motivated to do so.
Read more on My Jewish Learning
1. “Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved.”(Ex. 25:2)
2. “And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.”(Ex. 25:8)
3. “And deposit in the Ark [the tablets of] the Pact which I will give you.” (Ex. 25:16)
