Voices of WRJ: T'rumah

This week’s Torah portion, Parashah T’rumah, the Lord spoke to Moses saying “tell the Israelites to raise a contribution “T’rumah” for ME, from everyone whose heart prompts then to give, you shall raise a contribution “T’RUMAH” to create a Sanctuary, so I may dwell among them...and the people gave generously...and a Sanctuary was created.”

The portion goes on in detail describing the donations that the Jewish people gave towards building the portable temple in the desert. Jewelry, lavish textiles, precious metals, exotic wood as well as many other valuable items were donated. God was very specific about the type of structure God wanted the Israelites to build as well as defining how elaborate the mishkan (portable temple) should be. There was supposed to be gold on the outside and inside, purple cloths, made of acacia wood, have a cherubim to decorate the outer walls and many other intricate object and details.

When reading this Parashah, I questioned why God was so specific in describing this dwelling place. Why it specifically states God will dwell among the Israelites. To me it seems God’s intent was to be among the Israelites as opposed to having a Sanctuary where the Israelites came to worship God. God is with us at all times as opposed to us having to go to a specific place to feel God’s presence.

I remember having a very similar type of experience in 2014-2015 when I spent 12 months in Paris, France. At 54 years of age I decided I wanted to be a classically trained chef.  I had received lots of encouragement from my husband about following this passion of mine. One day he asked, “well, have you decided where you want to study?”  My answer was “no, not really.”  “Why?” he asked. Because if you are going to be a classically trained chef you need to be trained by the best, and to me that meant Le Corden Bleu, Paris. So long story short I applied and was accepted for the intensive program that lasted 9-12 months. So off to Paris, France I went. I studied at Le Corden Bleu in a French taught school to learn from the masters.  I did not know a soul. Life as I knew it was immensely different. I no longer had my family to rely on, and I did not have the comfort of my temple for Friday night Shabbat services.

Paris is a very old city that has experienced a rise in anti-Semitism. This was hard for me to believe since I had never experienced any such thing in my lifetime. Upon my arrival back to Paris in early January 2015, Ile-de-France, especially Paris, experienced terrorist attacks from January 7 -9, 2015. Three attackers killed at total of 17 people in four shooting attacks. The one that impacted me the most was the attack on 7^th of January, when two gunmen attacked the headquarters of the satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people and wounding 12 others before escaping. This attack was several blocks from my flat and I remember that morning like it was yesterday. I heard the gunfire and turned on the news to learn of the attack.  I remember calling my husband’s cell phone and leaving a message that I was fine and not to worry. He had left early that same morning to head back to Texas.  

I share this experience because it reminds me of the fact that God dwells among us. We do not need a temporary, or for that matter, a permanent sanctuary to feel God’s presence. I also remember feeling a sense of calmness and safety that day that remained with me during the rest of my time in Paris. I remember every Friday evening celebrating Shabbat. I may not have been able to worship at my temple, but I was able to feel the presence of God within myself. I kept the traditions I so warmly held close to my heart by welcoming Shabbat each week. I truly felt the presence of God while in Ile-de-France and Paris. So while the Lord spoke to Moses thousands of years ago saying “tell the Israelites to raise a contribution “T’rumah” for ME, from everyone whose heart prompts then to give, you shall raise a contribution “T’RUMAH” to create a Sanctuary, so I may dwell among them.”

My wish for us all is that we have the ability to feel God’s presence no matter where we are -- whether in our homeland or abroad. Shabbat shalom.

Cheryl Barenberg is First Vice President of WRJ Southwest District and a member of Temple Emanuel Sisterhood in Beaumont, TX.