Parashat Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19) is about building the first Sanctuary, or Tabernacle. While still on Mount Sinai, after receiving the Ten Commandments, Moses is also given instructions for building the Sanctuary in which the Israelites will worship God during their wanderings through the desert. God tells Moses to ask each Israelite to bring a terumah, (donation or gift) for the building of the Sanctuary. God says to Moses, “And let them make Me a mikdash (“sanctuary”) that I may dwell among them.” The instructions for the architecture of the sanctuary are detailed, as are the actual building specifics. Since then, through the present we create our sanctuaries out of a need for beautiful and inspiring environments where we can find moments for reflection, comfort, hope, direction, and rituals with which to celebrate the most important moments in our lives. Today, our Sanctuaries provide us with spaces to share with others and feel the support and enthusiasm of a community. The early Rabbi’s taught that our Sanctuaries answer our human and spiritual needs. Commentator Umberto Cassuto sees another purpose in the creation of the sanctuary. He points out that the people of Israel experienced God in a powerful way at Mount Sinai. They heard the Ten Commandments and felt themselves connected to God in a unique covenant. “But once they set out on their journey [away from Mount Sinai], it seemed to them as though the link had been broken, unless there was in their midst a tangible symbol of God’s presence among them.” Every Synagogue Sanctuary can be considered an extension of Mount Sinai. (A Commentary on the Book of Exodus, p. 319) Throughout the ages, the mikdash, or “temple,” “synagogue,” has functioned as a bet tefilah, “a house of prayer,” a bet midrash, “a house of study,” and a bet knesset, a “house of meeting.” It has been the sacred space where Jews have worshiped and celebrated together, educated themselves and new generations, and met to face new challenges. It is the meeting place between God and the Jewish people. Today, the synagogue, like the ancient mikdash, remains the most significant institution of Jewish life; it is the guarantor of Jewish tradition and survival. You, as our dedicated faculty, are The Valley Temple’s guarantor of Jewish tradition and survival. As always, we thank you for your commitment.
Today’s Schedule
Music Hebrew Guest Speaker Sale
10:00-10:20:5th 11:15-12:00: 4/5/6 10:00-11:15: 6th ALL DAY: Used Books
10:25-10:45: 3/4
10:50-11:10: Pre
11:15-11:35: K
11:40-12:00: 1/2
