Exodus 25:1 - 27:19

I Kings 5:26 - 6:13

In this Torah portion, Moses receives God’s commandments on stone tablets. God tells Moses to create a dwelling place for God, where the Israelites can bring God gifts. God details what this Mishkan (Tabernacle) will look like and how it should be made. The Tabernacle includes an ark, two cherubs, curtains and a menorah.

FULL SUMMARY
HAFTARAH SUMMARY

Parashat Terumah: Hidden Gifts

In building a sanctuary in the wilderness, God calls on the Israelites to contribute the gifts they don’t even know they have.

More on this Torah Portion

In Forgiveness, Making Space for the Divine

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

The Menorah: Let Your Light Shine

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

Sacred Giving

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

Making Free Will Offerings

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

The Mishkan as Signifier

Linking representation and action.

Haftarah for Terumah

How to build a Temple: Follow the instruction book.

The Mishkan as Model

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

Is God Present in Our Consumption?

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

Creating Sacred Space

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

Is the Mishkan (Tabernacle) God’s Home?

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

Gifts Freely Given

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

The Role Of Ritual

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

Using Our Contributions To Create The Sacred

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

Give And Take

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

A Sanctuary Within

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

Establishing a System

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

More Than a Contractor’s List

God's presence rests in a place of charity.

On The Way To Sanctity

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

Sharing: The New Give & Take

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

Parashat Terumah Quiz

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

Parashat Terumah: Summary

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.