photo by Ofer Gellar
Shemot 35:1 – 38:19
This week we have two parsha’s rather than one. In Vayakhel, Moshe reminds the people not to do any work on Shabbat. The people Israel brings gifts of gold, silver, and materials to build the tabernacle where Hashem will reside. Ohaliab and Bezalel are named to receive the gifts and to lead in the building of the Sanctuary. It’s worthy of noting that Bezalel comes from the tribe Judah which is large and powerful while Ohaliab comes from the tribe Dan, the smallest of the tribal groups. A midrash talks about Bezalel, son of Uri, son of Hur. Hur, who earlier helped hold Moshe’s hand aloft in the battle against the Amalekites, had been killed trying to stop the making of the Golden Calf. Bezalel’s name derived from the Hebrew b’tzel el, meaning “In Hashem’s shadow” or “Hashem seen in shadow.” Thus, everyone will see in limited fashion, Hashem’s presence in the Tabernacle they were building. Everyone from the top down has a role in building the tabernacle and tent of meeting. Women provide fine tapestries and various other labors, and the men help supply, use their abilities in the creation of this new home for Hashem. One more mention regarding Oholiab, from Dan, the least of the tribes. Rashi says by putting him on the level with Bezalel, of Judah the most noble of tribes, it confirms what scripture says, (Job 34:19) “He regardeth not the rich more than the poor.”
In Pekudei, it begins with a tally of the metals used. The Tabernacle of the Pact symbolizes the focus of the covenant with Hashem. Aaron and the priests are given their clothing for work in the sanctuary. Upon completion of the tabernacle, Moshe is instructed to set up the Tent of Meeting on the first day of the first month. Moshe anoints Aaron and his sons to make it official. A cloud descends upon the Tent of Meeting and Hashem’s presence fills the Tabernacle. Moshe could not enter the tent because the cloud had settled upon it. When the cloud lifted, the people would set out, Over the tabernacle the cloud would rest until ready for them to move again. In the cloud, fire could be seen by the Israelites.
As Jews, we tend to be a communal bunch. We hear a lot of Moshe directing everything, but the actual work, instruction, skills brought to bear were by the people. I could not but reflect on the changes happening in my shul over the past year. Our lead rabbi left not too long after one of our associate rabbis had also left us. It all was a bit chaotic, but piece by piece, we organized, and committees were selected and a new rabbi brought in. Our own Rabbi Arielle after a year of thoughtful discussion and input from everyone did this week become our new lead rabbi. The joy felt was palpable. There is more to be done, but we are up to it.
Rabbi Nancy Wiener in a Dvar observes how the activities we normally deem holy, prayer, study, acts of loving kindness, all are traditionally done with or for others. Our prayers often begin with “anachnu” or “we” rather than “ani”, “I”. We traditionally study in partnership or “chavruta” in “fellowship.” Babylonian Talmud, Taanit 7A says, “As fire does not burn when isolated, so will the word of Torah not be preserved when studied by oneself.”
In the creation of this tabernacle, Moshe directs our attention, per Rabbi Jonathan Sacks of blessed memory the great centers of community in Judaism, one in space and the other in time. In our story, the one in space would be the Mishkan which subsequently became the Temple, and today is the Synagogue. The one in time is of course Shabbat. Ours is a religion of community. Our holiest prayers cannot be offered unless there is a minyan. On Yom Kippur, we pray for forgiveness not for only our sins, but those of the community. You know, living in an upstairs apartment with steep stairs, I don’t get out much. At heart I’m very much a community driven person but getting out is often simply too much. But in my own way, I find community. I volunteer with my caring committee, have regular chats via Zoom, and on those special days, a friend will come over to chat. Poor dears, isolation leads me to ramble on, but having real live people visit is such a joy. Community can serve either for good or for bad. I’m blest to be part of a community centered on good. We all, even this frail 75-year-old woman, can serve in some way to our kedhillah, that is loving community. Where we gather on Shabbat, either in person or via Zoom to connect, to pray, to be there for each other. So my message to my loving community, Shabbat Shalom and Baruch Hashem!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment