Parashat Terumah

To forgive is to hold on to the future more tightly than the past.

The menorah teaches that each of us has a unique gift to contribute to the world.

The Israelites responded favorably to the call for donations because they knew they were creating a place for God to dwell among them.

Along with tzedakah, terumah is a vital way of sustaining our Jewish communities.

Linking representation and action.

How to build a Temple: Follow the instruction book.

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.

Commentary for Parshat Terumah: Exodus 25:1-27:19

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.

In focusing on ritual laws, Parashat Terumah teaches us that by reliving heroic historic moments we can introduce the transcendent into our daily lives.

In order to help build sacred space, the act of giving must be accompanied by a heart that reaches out to others.

The fundraising campaign to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle) teaches us that in true Tzedakah, the giver benefits as much as the taker.

The construction and sacrificial activities of the Sanctuary, which are now expressed in prayer, give us the opportunity to encounter the divine.

Parashat Terumah lays out a list of regulations for spiritual development.

God's presence rests in a place of charity.

The sanctification process of materials for the Tabernacle and Temple teaches us that everything has the potential to be used for holiness.

Shared responsibility enables everyone in the community to depend on each other.

Terumah: A resource for families.

Lehem Panim--Show Bread.

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

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.