The Gifts We Can Give

 


Dear Friends,

As we read the weekly portion, "Terumah" we learn about one of the most successful fundraising campaigns in the history of the Jewish people.  Our ancestors were contributing to the building of the portable Tabernacle.

In an article by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks called "The Architecture of Holiness" He explores trying to find ways to build a space where G-d resides.

He writes, "So what  difference could it make whether the Tabernacle was large or small? Either way, it was a symbol, a focus, of the Divine presence that is everywhere, wherever human beings open their heart to G-d..  Its dimensions should not matter."

I hope that as we create sacred space, we will remember that the smallest good deed which we do will help bring the Divine into our world.  When we read the extra Torah reading last week for Shabbat Shekalim, it was a reminder that it is what we give, however small or large, that helps us add to the holiness of our world.

As we approach Purim, a Festival, where one of the mitzvot (commandments) is to give gifts, I hope we will find meaningful ways to give of ourselves to contribute to the repair of our world.

Shabbat shalom,

Rabbi Bruce Aft.

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