Parashat Terumah 5786

by Rabbi Margie Cella

Now that the people had experienced Revelation at Mount Sinai, they needed to construct a sanctuary where they could continue to encounter God’s presence. Many raw materials were needed to complete the project. God told Moses to instruct the people to bring a terumah, a free-will offering. Each person should bring whatever their heart compelled them to contribute to the project: gold, silver, copper, finely colored yarns, goats’ hair, oil, spices, incense, precious gemstones, acacia wood, ram skins, and dolphin skins (yes, you read that right!).

The same verse where God requests our terumah [Exodus 25:2] concludes with the words, Tikchu et terumati–“You shall take My offering.” The tabernacle will be constructed with free will offerings given both by us and God. The reason for constructing this sanctuary, God says, is, “So that I may dwell among [within] them.”

An encounter with the Divine only happens when there is input from both us and God. In today’s world, what gifts can we bring to God to facilitate such an encounter? Firstly, the gift of our time, devoting ourselves to Torah study, daily prayer, and a life based on the observance of mitzvot. Secondly, we each have our own unique talents to offer: Some are singers, teachers, leaders, organizers, and writers.

Which brings me back to those dolphin skins. What? Where would they get those from in the middle of the desert? The Talmud explains: These really meant unicorn hides [BT Shabbat 28b:6]! The explanation is even more fantastic than the original phrase!

The point, I think, is this: If we truly desire to encounter God, we must be willing to reach above and beyond, even to seemingly unbelievable lengths, to make it happen.

 Oseh Shalom, Maker of Peace, help us to challenge ourselves to reach new heights in bringing Your Presence into the world.