Torah Commentary

Shabbat gives us an opportunity to stop trying to control the world.

It is easy to feel disconnected from those who are most unlike us.

What objects and ideas do we treat as idols?

How to rectify material wealth.

Behind every gold ring are mountains of waste and trails of destruction.

How to make weighty decisions about the community we are working to create.

Following the example of the High Priest's bands, issue bracelets can raise awareness--the awareness of their wearer.

God's presence rests in a place of charity.

This portion's attention to detail speaks to the kind of vigilance we need in creating a just society.

We are given God's world and the material within to construct a house for God--one of peace, harmony, and sustainability.