Torah Tea: Parshat Terumah and the Joy of Adar

The Joy of Rosh Chodesh Adar

Today is a special day—Rosh Chodesh Adar. We know the famous teaching: Mishenichnas Adar marbim beSimcha—when Adar enters, we increase in joy. This month is particularly auspicious for the Jewish people because it marks our victory over Haman.

Haman chose Adar by casting lots (Purim), thinking it was a weak time for the Jews because Moshe Rabbeinu passed away on the 7th of Adar. What he didn’t realize was that Moshe was also born on that very same day. The power of that birth overrides the negative of the passing. As the Megillah says, HaChodesh Asher Nehpach Lahem—the entire month was "turned around" for the good. It is a time of increased "luck" for the Jewish people, a time to anticipate Hashem’s blessings and miracles that are often "dressed up" within the laws of nature.

The Menorah: A Vessel of Outward Light

In this week's portion, we study the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels, specifically the Menorah.

While a home needs a lamp for light, the Talmud clarifies that Hashem does not need our light. On the contrary, the Menorah was designed to shine a holy, powerful light outward to the world. We see this in the architecture of the later Temple: the windows were narrow on the inside and wide on the outside—the opposite of standard windows—to show that the light radiated from the sanctuary to the world.

Design and Construction

The Menorah was unique because it had to be Mikshah—carved from a single, solid chunk of pure gold. It wasn't soldered together from different pieces; the branches, the stem, and the decorative buttons and flowers were all stretched and formed from that one block.

• The Branches: There were seven branches in total (the middle stem plus three on each side). The Rebbe points out that according to the Rambam (Maimonides), these branches were diagonal and straight, not circular as often depicted on the Arch of Titus.

• The Goblets (Geviim): These decorative cups are often drawn with the wide part on top to receive. However, the Rambam’s sketches show them upside down (pointy part on top, wide part on bottom). The Rebbe explains that this symbolizes the Menorah's purpose: it was not there to receive light, but to pour it out.

The Lamps (Neirot)

There is a discussion as to whether the actual lamps (the holders for the oil and wicks) were part of the solid gold structure or separate pieces placed on top. Rashi’s silence suggests they may have been separate. Regardless, these lamps represent our individual responsibility to light up the world.

Torah as a Business: The "Occupation" of Outreach

The Rebbe discusses the idea of "occupying" oneself with Torah and Mitzvos. The word for occupation, Asik, is related to business.

A business person doesn't just sit at home waiting for a customer to knock; they go out and actively seek them. If one person isn't interested, they don't give up—they try again or find someone else. Our "business" is to light the lamps of other people. By providing light for others, we automatically light our own Menorah.

This work was shared by Moshe and Aaron; Moshe brought the oil, and Aaron lit the lamps. This reminds us of the power of Jewish leadership—Moshe, and the Rebbe in our generation—to ignite the soul of every Jew. Under the surface, every soul is like a well of pure water; sometimes you just have to dig through a little dust and stone to find the warmth and enthusiasm underneath.

Terumah: The Power of Human Effort

The Parsha is named Terumah (Gift/Contribution). While the ultimate goal is for Hashem to bring His Presence down, the Torah emphasizes the human effort first.

At Mount Sinai, the holiness was temporary because it came entirely from Above without human investment. But the Mishkan was built through Terumah—people giving of themselves. When we invest our own work and gifts, the holiness becomes lasting. We may only be able to give a little at a time, but that gradual, personal effort is what guarantees a successful and permanent dwelling place for Hashem.

Conclusion: As we enter Adar, let us build our own "mini-sanctuaries" with joy. Through our efforts and our "business" of spreading light, may we merit the ultimate miracle—the coming of Moshiach and the reunion with our loved ones, very soon in our days.