Torah Commentary

The presence of the broken tablets in the Ark reminds us of the value of objects that may not be functional but signify important relationships.

The mirrors used to create the basin in the Tabernacle teach us that sanctified sexuality means seeing ourselves in relation to others.

Balancing wisdom with passion is the key to achieving justice in the world.

Commentary on Parshat Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19)

By giving God our full presence we allow the possibility for intimate connection and for God to dwell within us.

God instructs Moses to collect gifts from the Israelites in order to build a Tabernacle so that God can dwell among the people; God describes to Moses the vessels and structures that comprise the Tabernacle.

From biblical times to the present.

The clothing of our religious leaders communicates our perceptions of our relationships to God and each other.

Bezalel's wise-heartedness was his ability to merge the practical with the contemplative.

The incident of the Golden Calf challenges us to consider how we respond to tzedakah that comes from questionable sources.