Making Sacred Space

There is a dramatic shift in the subject matter of Terumah, from the previous parashah, Mishpatim. In Mishpatim, we were taught ways of how we should treat one another. In addition, we also learned mitzvot dealing with compensation for property damage.

After this list of laws, we are taught to observe the three pilgrimage festivals; the Festival of Matzot, the Festival of the Harvest of the first fruits, and the Festival of Ingathering. This set of instructions concludes with restrictions on cooking meat and dairy together.

After the ratification and agreement of the covenant of these laws by B’nei Yisrael, Moshe is told to ascend Mt Sinai. He remains on the Mountain for forty days and nights.

The next mitzvah given to Moshe is in the parashah of Terumah. Moshe is told to collect contributions from people who have a kind heart, (who are willing to give). Moshe is instructed to tell B’nei Yisrael to make a Sacred Space (Holy) for HaShem; so that the Divine Presence dwells among them. It is very important to note that the word Hebrew does not indicate dwelling in the structure but among the people.

I want to examine the relationship between several verses. Shemot 25:1,2 and Shemot 25:8. HaShem spoke to Moshe saying, “Speak to the Israelites and have them bring Me an offering. Take my offering from everyone whose heart impels him to give". “Make Me a Sacred(Holy) Place and I will dwell among you. This is a community project whose contributions would come from individuals willing to contribute; what better way to make Sacred space! Each individual gives what he or she desires of the raw materials needed to construct the Mishkan, the Sacred Space.

Research shows the benefits of such selflessness. Contributing is good for your mind and body; it can improve your self-esteem. It gives you a sense of purpose and fulfillment and it develops a sense of community. We can make sacred space with individuals whose heart so moves him or her to contribute.

On another level, verse eight can be more of a personal experience. The Hebrew word “b’taucham” can mean “in you". Are we able to make sacred space within ourselves for the Divine Presence? Perhaps we can find the answer in the phrase, “yidvenu libo". Yidvenu libo means a kind, courteous, or polite heart; making sacred space is a conscious effort.

Making sacred space is possible on both a personal and communal level.

However, we can see the transition near the end of Mishpatim. Moshe is accending the mount to receive the Shenei Luchot and the teaching and commandment from HaShem. B’nei Yisrael had just experienced an intimate awareness with HaShem during the revelation of the Ten Commands. They asked Moshe to communicate with HaShem. They were fearful of the spiritual encounter with HaShem. So Moshe is on Mt Sinai learning from HaShem.

In parashah Terumah, HaShem tells Moshe to collect contributions from B’nei Yisrael to construct a Holy Place (space) so that the Shechinah (Divine Presence) can dwell among them. The Torah is telling us that we are capable of making a Sacred place. But how can we build something to house HaShem? Actually, the Torah is teaching us that making a Sacred space for the Divine presence is dependent upon our actions.

The action directly responsible to make this Sacred space possible was to voluntarily give most of the raw materials needed to construct this Sacred space. The Torah uses the phrase yidvenu l’bo (whose heart motivates). What does that mean?

Perhaps, an additional meaning for “yidvenu l’bo” which is, “whose heart is kind or courteous"; can help shed light on voluntarily contributing. Making a Sacred space begins with our mindset. There are the raw materials needed to make this Sacred space. What are you willing to voluntarily contribute? Why are you willing to contribute? Just as the individual pieces of the raw materials would make up the whole, the individual contributors would come together as a community to make this Sacred space.

Is there another lesson the Torah is teaching us about making sacred space? Shemot 25:8, “V’asu li mikdash v’shachanti b’taucham.” This is usually translated as “ make a Sanctuary for me --so that I may dwell among you.” Instead of among you, the translation could also dwell in you. We can allow the Shechinah to dwell in us by making sacred space in our minds and thoughts.

That mindset includes the community having a sense of purpose fulfillment and happiness. This is good for the mind and body and helps improves your self-esteem.