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Terumah

Ex. 25:1-27:19

1Kings 5:26-6:13

Matt 5:33-37

G-d spoke to Moses and the children of Israel:  Let them give to me a portion to build My house.  Silver, copper, gold, wood, animal skins are all acceptable.

This was to be a resting place for G-d’s presence

The rest of Exodus, with the exception of the Golden Calf dissertation, is related to the preparation and construction of the Mishkan, dwelling place for G-d.

The construction of the Tabernacle was made necessary as a central place of worship.  Ideally, no sanctuary was needed since the time of Israel’s marriage at Mt. Sinai because the Shechinah rested upon the Mountain and would have rested upon them if they did not fear and reject His presence.

The Torah opens with instruction for G-d's people to bring an offering. Further they are to give with a willing heart. Some of G-d's people today are enthusiastic about giving and some are not. People are different and each gives as his heart resolves.

One of the things that effects people is their attitude in worship. In addition to the command to give cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7 ), G-d's people also need to come into His presence with joy in their hearts so that they may worship joyfully. Shaul tells us, "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil 4:4 ).

We, as a people of G-d, have many reasons to rejoice: Luke 2:10, "great tidings of joy to all people," Luke 10:20, "names are written in heaven."

There are a great many more promises.  Among them, Psalm 100:3-5, "know that the Lord is G-d. It is He who made us, and we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.”

Therefore, when we come to His house we are told to enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. The Lord is good and His love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations.

We are still part of that generation, and need to enter His gates with joy, especially when we come corporately to worship each Shabbat. Come to rejoice and let G-d arise so that His enemies will be scattered.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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