Parshat Terumah: Making a Sanctuary for Hashem
In this week's portion, Terumah, we begin the detailed discussion of the construction of the Tabernacle, or the Mishkan. The word Mishkan comes from the root meaning "to dwell," because this was the place where Hashem’s presence was to dwell among the Jewish people.
The Meaning of "Terumah"
Right at the start, the Torah says, "Speak to the children of Israel, and they shall take for me (Veyikh-khu li) a Terumah." The word Terumah can mean two things: a separation or a raising up.
When we give to Hashem, we aren't just handing over physical belongings. We are separating them from our personal ownership and "raising" them to a higher purpose. By giving with the intent that the object is for Hashem, we transition it from the ordinary to the holy.
Building an Internal Sanctuary
The Torah says, "Make for me a Mikdash, and I will dwell amongst them" (Veshachanti besocham). Our sages point out that the verse does not say "dwell in it" (the structure), but "dwell in them."
Hashem does not just rest within physical walls; He rests within the heart of every person. Every individual is a microcosm of the Sanctuary. We are tasked with creating a space in our souls where the Divine can dwell. There is a beautiful song that captures this: "Bilvavi mishkan evneh"—"In my heart, I will build a Sanctuary."
The Two Steps of a Jewish Home
The Rebbe teaches that there are two distinct levels to making our homes a place for Hashem:
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Refining the Ordinary (Veyikh-khu Li): This involves taking everyday actions—eating, sleeping, and speaking—and doing them for a good purpose. A Jewish home should have a unique "flavor" (Yiddisher tam). It is a place of peace where anger is rejected, and kindness is the standard.
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Creating a Holy Space (Asu Li Mikdash): This is the next level—transforming the home into an actual sanctuary. This is where the holy acts—the prayers, the Shema, the blessings, and the Torah study—become the "main" part of the house. Everything else in the home follows the lead of this holiness.
Lessons from a Beautiful Soul
As we approach the shloshim (30-day mourning period) for our son, Levi, I reflect on how he truly transformed his life into a sanctuary. People were attracted to him not just for his knowledge, but because they saw a beautiful soul. He was a good person who made everyone feel comfortable in his presence.
Levi had a unique way of taking mundane opportunities and turning them into something holy. Whether it was giving a Torah class during a Super Bowl halftime or reaching out to those who felt distant from the synagogue, he never cut corners in his service to Hashem. He lived the Rebbe’s teaching: You have to bring the people close to the Torah, not bring the Torah close to them.
The Miracle of the Ark
In the Holy of Holies stood the Aron (Ark), which held the Tablets of the Testimony (Luchot). The Talmud describes a magnificent miracle: although the Ark had physical measurements, it technically "took up no space." When you measured from the walls of the room to the sides of the Ark, the total distance was the same as if the Ark wasn't there at all.
This represents the concept of Nimna Hanimna'ot—the "paradox of paradoxes." It shows a fusion of the physical and the spiritual. It is the same with a Tzadik (a righteous person). While in this world, they are limited by a physical body, but their influence and soul are unlimited. After they pass, their presence becomes even more powerful and potent in this world, as they are no longer bound by physical limitations.
Continuing the Work
The loss of a loved one, especially a child, is what the Torah calls a Chuka—a decree that is beyond human understanding. Like the Red Heifer (Parah Adumah), there are things in life that make no logical sense.
However, our response must be to strengthen our resolve and our faith (Emunah). Our responsibility is to memorialize the holy work of those we have lost by continuing it with even more vigor, energy, and sincerity. We pray that very soon we will merit the coming of Moshiach, when those "lying in the dust" will wake up and sing, and we will be reunited with our loved ones in a world of total peace.