Voices for WRJ: Parashat T’rumah

This week’s Torah portion is T’rumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19) where the Eternal One spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the Israelite people, and have them take for Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved. And these are the gifts that you shall take from them: gold, silver, and copper; blue, purple and crimson yarns, fine linens, wood, oil, spices, and gemstones. And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.” What better test is there to inspire us to reflect on the connection between open hearts and the sacred space in which we pray? What better text is there to help us pay attention to the details of our sanctuary, the materials, and colors, even the lighting? And at the same time, what better text is there to remind us all how hard it is to ask for voluntary donations? Rashi begins by asking why the text states, “Take for Me an offering,” when one might expect it to read, “Bring Me.” Rashi answers that the gift is t’rumah, “an offering” that an individual “takes” voluntarily from her own possessions and designates it as a sacred gift. The holiness that we see and feel in our communities is a result of the contributions of hundreds of people; the gifts of every person whose heart was moved to give. A loving tear accompanies each gift. It is upon those tears that we create a community. When we work together on a sacred project only then is God among us. Today, our congregations continue to depend on the gifts each person brings to the synagogue. Women of Reform Judaism depends on the women in our congregations bringing their own gifts to support the work of our women’s groups. Some women bring wisdom to assist in guiding and directing the organization. They serve as leaders and mentor others who will take their place in the future. Others bring wealth to support the work and the worthy projects supported by women’s groups across North America and beyond. Others work tirelessly, bringing their talents and time to make a difference in the lives of others. All of these women bring skills used in the secular world into the synagogue, bringing “the realm of the holy into our lives.” Look closely. Look at the women in your sisterhood. One need look no further than the gifts your sisterhood has been blessed with. Please join WRJ as we continue the initiatives of our foremothers by committing ourselves to educating our membership and our congregations. On this Shabbat, take a moment to reflect on the gifts in your life and gifts you can bring to others. Know that when you share your gifts with others, you share a bit of the Divine, who dwells in us all.