One third of the Book of Exodus is dedicated to the
instructions for and the actual construction of the Tabernacle, or as the Torah
calls it, the “mishkan,” or “dwelling place.” In his introduction to this
section of the book, Everett Fox lays out the many reasons for Exodus’ emphasis
on this highly detailed account of the building of the dwelling place for God.
One reason he gives is that a great theme of this book is the question, posed
by the Israelites in 17:7 – “Is YHWH in our midst or not?” And here, the answer
is clearly, “YES!”
So, yes, God is in our midst. And this parasha describes the
environment we are to create in order for God to dwell with us. We will contemplate
the qualities of the Mishkan and wonder together about what the design says
about how we understand our relationship with the Divine. We will wonder
together about why God’s presence and voice moves from the boundary-breaking
thunderous mountain of Sinai to a little gold box, the ark, contained in a tent
within a tent. We will wonder at the beauty and expense of the materials, the symmetry
and pleasing-ness of the dimensions, and ask why such a humble abode – a tent? Moreover,
we will take note that this bridge between heaven and earth is not firmly
planted in one location. It moves with the Israelites from camp to camp.
We will ask - what in this highly detailed third of the
Book of Exodus –the book that recounts how we became US – speaks to us? And we
will also look at the Chasidic master Rabbi Kalonymus Kalman’s answer to that
question as well.
Looking forward to wondering along with all of you tomorrow!
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