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i will dwell amidst you

02/24/2022 07:13:58 AM

Feb24

Rabbi Jeffrey Myers

It is not always easy to find the inspirational lesson or message in a Torah portion after having read them for decades. Some of the detailed portions are less engaging than the narrative portions. Reading about the precise nature of the sacrifices or the construction of the mishkan, the portable sanctuary, can be challenging year after year. I’ve been surprised that this year has been different, that the text has uplifted and inspired me, pleasantly so. I think that the reason is because I see a parallel between the holy work of the Israelites to build the mishkan, and the holy work to rebuild Tree of Life. Seeing a glimmer of light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel gives me hope and encourages me to move forward. Witnessing so many people from around the world engaging with us, advising us, humbly expressing how honored they feel to be part of something special is indeed inspirational.

Without putting too much pressure on our lead architect, Daniel Libeskind, he is our Betzalel, tasked with overseeing the creation of our mishkan, so that God might feel moved to dwell in our midst. We haven’t reached the point that Moses did when he had to turn away donations because he had more than he needed. May we be cursed with that problem! To see the engagement of so many people from such diverse backgrounds working together to craft a unified vision and mission is beautiful. To hear so many people expressing their gratitude at being asked to share their expertise is humbling. Watching people learn how to play in the same sandbox without kicking sand is sometimes extraordinary. The spirit of the Divine, the Shekhinah, is clearly hovering over us.

I hope that this generosity of spirit and cooperation continues unabated, if not grows, once the new Tree of Life opens. I pray that Hashem will find the work pleasing. But that is not enough. A building is merely steel, brick, mortar and glass. It is what is imbued within the structure, and what emanates from it that is so important. We stand poised to be a light of hope to the world. While I would certainly want visitors to be impressed by the beautiful structure, even more so I would want people to respond with “Wow! Look how Tree of Life has responded to 10.27. Look how they have transformed themselves.”

The beginning of the creation of the mishkan opens with words that many synagogues have emblazoned over their arks, directly quoting Exodus 25:8: And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. How curious that God does not say “dwell in it”. The sanctuary is not the earthly home of the Holy One. The presence of the sanctuary reflects our desire to give honor and glory to the Holy One. But I believe that there is more required of us, for buildings too frequently reflect the Edifice Complex that so many ascribe to. It is only when each of us becomes a sacred vessel that welcomes the Divine Spirit within us that the transformation is complete. Thus I leave you with a question: What transformation have you undergone after 10.27 that would encourage the Holy One to dwell in your midst?

Fri, March 29 2024 19 Adar II 5784