This week’s Torah portion, Pikudei, is the last portion in the Book of Exodus. Throughout the Book of Exodus, the Israelites doubted God. Acting like children, they whined about the lack of food and water and rebelled by building the Golden Calf. They were not believers. But when it came time to construct the Mishkan or Tabernacle as we read in this week’s parsha, the Children of Israel brought out the best
they had to offer to make it a sacred space. God was given a space, and God's presence within it was indicated by visible signs of fire and fog.
By requiring that the building of the Tabernacle be a communal effort, God created a stronger relationship with the children of Israel. Rabbi Harold Schulweis explains that miracles and signs are not purely acts of God; they require a human openness to receiving them. "Sign-miracles are results of human and nonhuman interaction. They entail the appropriate cooperation of will, intelligence, and care, which themselves are manifestations of the divine and the potentialities given for us to transform" (For Those Who Can't Believe, 59).
Until the Israelites gave of themselves to be in relationship with God, they would not receive God’s protection and guidance. God created a palace in time when completing Creation with Shabbat in the Book of Genesis. The Israelites created a palace in space when they created the Tabernacle in Exodus.
Here at TBE, we continue to create both sacred time and space every week. I see it when we gather for Shabbat worship and Torah Study and every time Religious School is in session. It is also apparent with the abundance of programs and holiday celebrations we have throughout the year.
As the days grow longer and we emerge from winter into spring, I encourage you to join us in our sacred space for the myriad of things happening on the calendar.
Shabbat Shalom, Rachel Mersky Woda, Director of Youth and Family Engagement
7 p.m. Belonging Shabbat Service Shabbat Hallelu Services in the sanctuary and on the livestream. A discussion with Mark Patinkin of the Providence Journal follows the service.
