“Build me a sanctuary that I might dwell among them."

Terumah

“Build me a sanctuary that I might dwell among them.“

What was going through the minds of the Israelites as they prepared to build the Mishkan, the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary they would use as they travelled through the desert to the Promised Land?

As I have been studying the Torah portion this week I am overwhelmed with feelings of nostalgia for the Spring of 2010 when we participated in building our own sanctuary here at Midbar Kodesh Temple. I remember meeting with Ze’ev to review the blue prints. I recall sitting in his office and viewing the artist renditions of the renovations and wondering what it would look like when it was complete. I recollect those days and weeks coming to work with the construction going on around us and marveling at the progress as I witnessed first-hand that which was on paper being brought to life. I remember the eager anticipation we had for the day when would have our first Shabbat service, our first High Holidays, our first Bar/Bat Mitvah, our first bris or babying naming, our first wedding and even our first funeral.

I reminisce about that moment when we all came to dedicate the holy space and saw the joyous faces of all those that worked so hard to create our special, spiritual space. One could almost sense the moment God’s presence engulfed the room for the first time.

I can well imagine the emotions of the ancient Israelites who put their donations, time, and talent into building their first holy space.

It has been over eight years since we moved into our sanctuary and each time I walk in, I feel that sense of dedication and belonging that created the space. When we work together to construct a sacred space, it is easy to understand how the divine can come to dwell in it.

I look forward to sharing many more sanctified moments together with you at Midbar Kodesh Temple.

Shabbat Shalom.