D’var Torah- Lee Weinberger

This week’s portion describes in great detail the construction and furnishing of the tabernacle as directed by the greatest of architects – god. God also directs the Israelites who have it in their heart to bring him gifts of gold and other precious commodities. If the Israelites follow his direction he will have a place to live among them.

We on the other hand, had a mere mortal design our tabernacle and we fortunate to also have those members and non-members who had it in their heart to bring us gifts of money and effort to build this sanctuary. While not adorned with gold and hand hammered cherubs it is a our special place for god to live among us.

Like that first tabernacle in the wilderness, our ta-bernacle is the first in our area built to house the torah. I can well imagine how the Israelites felt when they finally entered the tabernacle – even after all this time (a whole year and a half) I feel both a sense of excitement and yet somewhat humble when I come here.

But just like this week’s portion of the torah leaves us with knowing what the tabernacle will be when it’s finished, our tabernacle is not quite finished either although we have an idea what it will be when it’s finished. What needs to be done? You think. We will soon have additional decorations; the kitchen is almost complete; we have events and programs that we couldn’t have before. But we have empty seats at every service and every program, other than dinners. In fact if all of our services and programs were as well attended as our dinners i would have had to rethink what I wanted to say tonight. But they’re not – so i implore each of us to reach out to other Jews in southern Maryland and invite them join us in our sanctuary. Then our tabernacle will be as worthy as the one in this week’s portion for god’s presence.
Shabbat Shalom