Parshas Teruma begins the account by the Chumash of the building of the Temple and the investiture of the priests. It is a lengthy subject with over four of the eleven parshas in the book of Exodus devoted to it. Unlike the first and second temples, the Tabernacle in the desert is only a temporary structure. The material used in this project typically are very valuable such as precious stones and metals, dyes that may be just as expensive, and high quality spices, leather, and wood.
Various items will be produced from these materials. The first is a chest for the most sacred items such as the tablets on which the Ten Commandments are written and the sefer Torah written by Moshe rebenu. On top of the lid are two sculptured angels over which the voice of Hakadosh Baruch Hu can be heard. In an adjacent room are a table with a rack full of bread, a candelabra, and an incense burner. These are housed in an ornate pavillion. In a courtyard, surrounded by an elegant fence, is an altar for the sacrifices and a washstand.
These items have symbolic value. The chest symbolizes religious principles and a personal relationship with G-d. The lamp represents schooling, studies, and wisdom. Incense is prestige and the table is livelihood. The altar is food, taste, and celebration. The washbasin is health and hygiene. The Temple as a whole symbolizes religion.
The beauty and the value of the Temple and its furnishings tend to show what we think of the underlying values. For example one who loves education will find a beautiful menorah pleasing. On the other hand one who hates or is apathetic about knowledge may find amusing a light that is ugly or stupid looking.
People can be hypocrites or miss the point so there is room for confusion. Because of this the holy Torah teaches, “You will make me a sanctuary and I will dwell among them”, (Exodus 25:8). The Or Hachaim points out that this means that the abode of the holy One, blessed be He, will not be the Temple rather it will be the children of Israel. This is because they desire His love and the Temple is the sign of this wish.
The idea is that faith, wisdom, and benevolence should permeate each and every Jew. It should not only be in the synagogue but also in his principles, education, what he takes pride in, his livelihood, his table manners, and bathtub. If this happens we are assured that G-d’s presence will remain in Israel like the word of Hashem to King Solomon, “This house that you have built if you follow My laws, live up to My standards, keep My mitzvahs and practice them I will fulfill in you the things that I said to David your father; and I will dwell among the children of Israel and I will not leave My people Israel”,
(1 Kings 6:12-13).
לע"נ האמא מלכה בת חיים ז"ל נלב"ע טז ניסן תשנ"ח
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