Timeless Torah

The Torah portions of these last two weeks, (Terumah and Tetzaveh) deal with the command to build a Sanctuary. At first glance, the Temple and its various vessels (menorah, altar, priestly garments etc.) have no relevance to our present situation. What possible contemporary application can there be when we have no Sanctuary and no priestly class?

However, since Torah is the word of G-d who is infinite, it is itself infinite. Infinite in time, because it is eternally binding and infinite in meaning, because every verse has innumerable layers of interpretation and significance.

An example of this is the passage in which G-d told Moses to erect a Sanctuary. He said, "They shall make Me a Sanctuary and I will dwell in them." From a grammatical point of view, the words "dwell in them" are inconsistent with the rest of the verse which talks of only one Temple. So although on a literal level, this makes for difficult reading, our Rabbis point out that homiletically, this passage contains a clear message.

Homiletics, or drush, as it is referred to in Hebrew, outlines the religious ethic hidden in every sentence. The words "dwell in them" according to our Sages then mean, the soul of every Jew. There are two Temples, one physical which has long been destroyed and one which provides moral relevance to the command "make me a Sanctuary".

The materials we utilized for the construction of the physical Temple were transformed into objects of holiness. A lump of gold became a menorah which shed light and inspiration. A block of wood formed the ark which housed the tablets, our source for guidance and teaching. So too, our spiritual energies and possessions must becomes vehicles of holiness.

Our intellect should be used to comprehend the mysteries of G-d, and our emotions to experience a vital relationship with Hashem. Even our daily actions should reflect our awareness that we either mirror or distort the presence of the Divine that resides in each of us. If you want to teach your children about G-d, understanding the above mentioned point is invaluable. Your youngsters will perceive G-d in the same way they see you.