In Parshat Terumah we read the words (Shmot 25:8): “V’Asu li Mikdash v’Shachanti Bitocham”, “They shall make a Sanctuary for Me and I will then dwell in their midst”.

Abravanel asks the following question:

If God is everywhere, not limited in space, then why does the Torah say that once B’nai Yisrael build the sanctuary then God will dwell in there midst?

Abravanel answers:

The Divine intention behind the construction of the Tabernacle was to combat the idea that God has forsaken the earth and that his throne was in heaven and remote from humankind. He commanded them to build the Tabernacle as if to imply that He dwelt in their midst, that they should believe that God lived in their midst and His Providence was ever with them.

Different people find spirituality in different ways. Some have more Kavana, intent and awreness of God’s presence when they pray in a synagogue. Others feel uplifted at the Kotel, the Western Wall. There are those who feel closest to God during Hitbodedut, spending time contemplating God outdoors. Each of these paths are valid.

Without the Tabernacle, some may have felt that they were not able to connect with God.

Now that we don’t have the Tabernacle or the Beit HaMikdash, synagogues have taken over temporarily as a Mikdash Me’at, a small Temple. Yet we must remember that God is everywhere and prayer does not need to be limited to the Synagogue.

Just last week, I had the opportunity to go to the “Kotel Katan”, the small Kotel, an extension of the Western Wall. The Kotel Katan is much smaller, quieter and more secluded than the large Kotel Plaza which can often have many distractions and become a social scene. The Kotel Katan is a place where you can feel the Divine Presence resting, where you can really come to understand the meaning of “V’Asu li Mikdash v’Shachanti Bitocham”, “They shall make a Sanctuary for Me and I will then dwell in their midst”.

May each and every one of us have the opportunity to connect with God and experience God’s presence resting upon us!

The packages that Torat Reva Yerushalayim delivered last year to Jerusalem's elderly residents were the ONLY gift packages that these individuals received!

in the German Colony, Jerusalem

Date: Sunday, February 28 

Time: Begins at 5:00 pm with a Costume Party and Mini Carnival for the kids, Plenty of Sushi and Dessert followed by Maariv and Megilla

Cost: 100 Shekel donation per family

Leave the groggers at home and bring your rattles instead. No scary costumes please.

RSVP for exact location: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 052-534-6260