This week’s Torah portion is entitled “Terumah,” which means “offering.” The people of Israel are called upon to make “offerings” of their possessions, out of which, God says to Moses: “They shall make for me a sanctuary, and I shall dwell among them.”

Our Jewish tradition teaches us an important lesson from this Torah verse. God is said, not to “dwell in it;” rather the Torah emphasizes that God is to “dwell among them.” The notion that God cannot be contained in any building, no matter how majestic. No, for Judaism God is to be experienced and known “among them,” meaning “us.” When we are kind, generous and sensitive toward one another. When we make personal sacrifices for some greater good. When we uplift the fallen, heal the sick, and redeem those who are held hostage. In all of that is something of the Divine experienced.

Yes, we love our Temple setting. But not because of the buildings and the grounds which are unique and dear to us. Rather, it’s what we experience in this setting together. Sacred are the friendships that we make with one another. Sacred are the Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, the Confirmations, the weddings, and the memorial services also.

It has been said that “the heart of a thriving community beats with unity and understanding.” So may we be united in embracing the cherished values and ideals that are our Jewish heritage. So will it be true that “God dwells among them.”

I wish you a Shabbat of peace and tranquility, and hope that you will join with us this evening at 7:00 for our Shabbat service.

Rabbi David Greenberg