T’rumah (Offering) Sh’mot Exodus 25-27
Torah Portion: T’rumah (Offering)(Sh’mot) Exodus 25:1-27:19
Haftorah Reading: I Kings 5:26-6:13
This week we read of the gathering of materials to build the Mishkan or Tabernacle. In the opening verses there are several interesting points to ponder. For example, in Exodus 25:8-9 we read where after listing the things to be brought in verse 8, G-d says, ”And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” In verse 9 we read, “that is the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishing, just so shall you make it.” The interesting part of these two verses is that in verse 8 the word used for sanctuary is Mikdash, which actually is the word used later for the Temple in Jerusalem. Verse 9 speaks of the Mishkan or Tabernacle that they are about to build. So what, if anything, are we to make of this difference? I expect it was the quality of G-d that knows no yesterday, or tomorrow. Everything with G-d is already – there are no limitations of time. So maybe it was G-d’s way of encouraging the people by saying that He would always be with them and whether it was a Tabernacle or Temple He was there. Either of these buildings were just a means or symbol of their faith in Him who in this portion says He will always be there no matter where they are. I think this should encourage us as we go through our life as believers. Our faith does not rest on a place but on the indwelling presence of G-d and knowing no matter what He is with us.
Entering, Possessing, Dwelling – Ki Tavo (When You Come) Deut 26
Torah Portion: Ki Tavo (When You Come) Deut. 26:1-29:8
HafTorah: Isaiah 60:1-22
In the days of the Temple farmers were to set aside the first of the seven things mentioned in Torah in Deut. 8:8. How did they do this? The farmer went out into the fields at the first sign of blossoms or heads of grain and marked them with a ribbon on the stems. When they reached maturity he would harvest them and take them to the Temple in Jerusalem during Shavuot. He would give them to the priest and recite the words of Deut 26:5-11. What was the purpose of this ritual to the farmer? It kept it in his mind and spirit that all things come from the Father, and gave him an opportunity to show his gratitude for G-d’s provisions.