(Arkadi Duchin covers Arik Einstein’s classic, Yesh Bi Ahava, ‘There is love in me.’)
I’m winding down after a long week, and looking forward to some rest as the sun begins its descent in Maine. The days are getting longer, the sun is shining stronger, and despite all of the challenges in the greater world, there is a feeling of hope that comes with the change of seasons.
In this week’s parasha, we begin with instruction from God: (Exodus 25:1-2)
וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר יְהֹוָ֖ה אֶל־מֹשֶׁ֥ה לֵּאמֹֽר׃
יהוה spoke to Moses, saying:
דַּבֵּר֙ אֶל־בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל וְיִקְחוּ־לִ֖י תְּרוּמָ֑ה מֵאֵ֤ת כׇּל־אִישׁ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר יִדְּבֶ֣נּוּ לִבּ֔וֹ תִּקְח֖וּ אֶת־תְּרוּמָתִֽי׃
Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved.
As the mishkan (tabernacle) is built, it is constructed with voluntary gifts from the heart. In general, the Bible commands us to pay taxes and tithe our wealth. Here, by contrast, God creates a sanctuary with the contributions of willing hearts. The singularity of this moment in the Bible — with its focus on motivation and intent — is beautiful. And yet, it is important to remember what follows this call for voluntary gifts: Instructions. Detailed instructions.
Parashat Terumah begins with a heart-filled intention, and ends with architecture. A willing heart is the beginning, but it doesn’t get the job done. You need specific materials and you need a plan of how to put them together. A Divine dwelling place needs to be built with authentic feeling and heartfelt gifts, and it also needs a blueprint and a construction crew who knows how to follow instructions.
In that spirit, I want to share a piece I wrote last week for EJewishPhilanthropy about building a vibrant future for small town Jewish communities. Building the inclusive future we need requires gifts of the heart, a plan, and skillful hands to serve those who thirst for community and care. As always, I would love to know what you think.
May the gift of brighter and warmer days bring us moments of comfort in a world desperately in need of some good construction. For now, however, rest.
Shabbat Shalom!