Parashah T’rumah

I love Sisterhood and WRJ. My involvement has opened doors and provided gifts beyond anything I could have imagined. My Sisterhood story began 12 years ago when I found myself the recipient of an unexpected early retirement. Thanks to a personal ask, I became involved, started making friends, and learned more about Judaism and the different ways that Women of Reform Judaism makes a difference. It seemed that I had found the perfect place to connect to Judaism and the Reform Movement; a place to share my skills and passion for tikkun olam, where my voice could be amplified by joining with other like-minded women. It was a real gift.

Speaking of gifts, in this week’s Parashah T’rumah, G-d provides detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle or Mishkan, including specific building materials and interior furnishings, such as the Ark, the Offering Table, and even the Courtyard. The parashah specifies what donations are needed for this project including materials, sizes, colors, types of fabrics, metals…you name it.  

In Exodus 25:1-3 we read: G-d spoke to Moses, saying “Tell the people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved.”

It seems that both giving and receiving graciously are integral parts of this Torah portion and  Sisterhood and WRJ provide us with many opportunities to do both.  

I also find it interesting that G-d is only asking for contributions from those whose hearts are so moved. This is the true definition of a “voluntary donation,” only from those whose hearts are moved to do so. Very different from Tzedakah, which is “commanded giving.” 

Belonging to Sisterhood is also voluntary. Why do we belong? We belong because it allows us a wonderful place to donate our time, talents, and treasures for causes that touch our hearts. We belong because our hearts are moved to do so. In return, we receive many gifts, including friendship, personal growth, fulfillment, and fun. Even the simple mitzvah of paying our Sisterhood dues gives us an opportunity to provide for the greater global Jewish community through our WRJ membership.

WRJ also understands the importance of both giving and receiving from the heart, including providing skills to nurture our current and new leaders to ensure we are building a strong future for women’s groups and Reform Judaism. In return, our combined philanthropic efforts create amazing gifts that impact our movement through the YES Fund, DEI initiatives, emergency grants, and so much more. 

I will always be personally grateful to WRJ for providing me with the training and education that I needed to become a successful Sisterhood & Community Leader. Talk about a gift worth receiving. This gift is waiting for you too! 

I encourage you to take advantage of the many resources available to you through WRJ, including advocacy opportunities, speakers, online programming, educational webinars, and more. But most importantly is the ability to be part of a powerful network of amazing women across North America, Israel, and around the world who advocate for issues concerning women, children, and religious freedom. 

Later in the parashah we read: “And let the people make Me this sanctuary so that I may dwell among them.”

Some have interpreted this as “within them.”  So, perhaps this is referring to the sanctuary of our hearts and souls. 

For nearly two years now, to protect the health and safety of our community, many of us have not been able to gather in our sanctuaries to celebrate the holy commandment of Shabbat or the High Holidays. However, through the gift of Zoom and other social media platforms, we’ve been able to pray together virtually. And although not physically together in a sanctuary, for me, I can still feel that divine spirit and “kavanah” or warm intentions from all who attend. 

Allowing the Shechinah to dwell in our hearts, helps us to create holiness in our everyday lives, no matter where we are. You can see this in all the love that goes into everything our Sisterhoods and Women’s Groups do. Whether providing for the Temple, our youth, or our community, we give in the most beautiful ways, because our hearts are moved to do so, T’rumah.

Susan Singer is the WRJ Treasurer, WRJ Central District Co-Lead Area Director, and a past president of Temple Israel Sisterhood, West Bloomfield, Michigan.