WRJ Voices: Vayak'heil P'kudei

This week we double our learning with parashiot: Vayak’heil (Exodus 35:1-38:20) and P’kudei (Exodus 38:21- 40:38). Together they describe (in minute detail) the building of the Tent, the Tabernacle, and the Courtyard - from the initial plans through the “grand opening.” It was an awesome undertaking, from measuring various woods to creating exquisite fabrics, bringing gems and personal skills - true contributions of “time, talent and resources”.

It is amazing to envision how our worship spaces have remained similar yet adjusted to time and place. At the recent WRJ Fried Leadership Conference in Charleston, SC, we were privileged to finish our Shabbat observance with Havdallah at Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim. Founded in 1749, by 1841 the congregation was already committed to Reform Judaism. Their sanctuary is the second oldest synagogue building in the United States and the oldest in continuous use. Standing on that bimah was awe-inspiring and AWESOME. It is, in a way, a snapshot of our history: from the 7-branch menorah of the Temple and the Ner Tamid (rekindled at Chanukah), to organ pipes of Classic Reform and the modern video display of a current niggun (la la lalala la). It was a personal memorable moment to lead prayer there with the other WRJ district presidents - checkmark on the bucket list.

The flow of the week’s Torah chapters brought to mind words by Hillel the Elder (Pirkei Avot Chapter 1:14): “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” (words from a leader of the (Jewish) Supreme Court).

Vayak’heil begins with a quick reminder: “On six days work may be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of complete rest holy to Adonai.”

“If I am not for myself” - a command to not allow our work to consume us, to replenish our bodies and our spirits. Both work and rest are sacred.

In creating the Tabernacle, women’s participation is specifically recounted. In The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, Ruth Sohn notes “The men donated jewelry only after the women had already done so”. Lisa Gurshcow writes “Women are able to discern when a cause is worthy of their generosity”.

“If I am only for myself, what am I?” At the recent WRJ board meeting, and in districts and sisterhoods or women’s groups across our continent, we are looking with startled eyes at work to be done. At “worthy causes”. Issues abound, and many come into conflict with our ethics as Reform Jews. We will be called upon to make difficult choices as to which we can respond in meaningful ways. WRJ Executive Director Rabbi Marla Feldman reminds us, “If we try to do everything we will be immobilized, but doing nothing is not an option.” Yet, we CAN discern the worthiest causes, because Rabbi Feldman continues, “Organized women, inspired by faith, can change the world”. We are WRJ.

To meet the demands of the work to be done, WRJ’s advocacy program now includes a new campaign called #WRJWomenAct. Please go to wrj.org/womenact to learn more about the issues and how we can include them in our programming and activities.

Because: “If not now, when?” Many, MANY, of us are feeling “been there, done that”, but we cannot ignore the times. We are urged to remain alert to policies involving women’s health and reproductive rights, pay equity, immigration reform…. (the list goes on - protecting the rights of us all). Decisions move quickly. If we do not act in the moment - who are we?

As the Israelites heard, when each of them had finished their contribution to the place of prayer: When we do holy work, God is in that place”.

By the way, after “they brought more than needed”, Adonai told Moses to “call a halt”. May that happen to us! And may Adonai guide, support, and bless our endeavors.

Shabbat shalom.

Judith Shor Ning is a WRJ Board member and currently president of WRJ Pacific District. Her home is Congregation Albert Sisterhood in Albuquerque, NM. Her roots are in NFTY (as board member and SW president) and URJ Camp Saratoga/Swig (predating Camp Newman).