Shemini (Eighth) Leviticus Vayikra 9-11
Torah Portion: Shemini (Eighth) (Leviticus) Vayikra 9-11
Haftorah Reading: II Samuel 6:1-7:17
Tonight we read the Torah portion that is dedicated to the consecration of the Mishkan or Tabernacle. In the last weeks we have read seven Torah portions covering the details of the building and dedicating of the Mishkan and now in this portion we read about the first public use of the “House of G-d.” We read where the fire fell and the people shouted out when the glory of G-d appeared.
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.