Shabbos Parshas Terumah
In this week's Parsha HaShem lays out the exact specifications of the Sanctuary to be built by the Jews in the desert. "They shall make Me a sanctuary and I shall dwell amidst them."
HaShem demands the best of everything; precious metals, vividly colored wool, flax, goat hair, wood, pure olive oil, rich spices and precious gems. HaShem also asked for the skins of animals both mundane and exotic.
The contributions came from everyone in the camp. We all gave the best of what we had to honor HaShem and bring Him to dwell with us.
Today living in Golus, we no longer have HaShem's Sanctuary. We pray every day that Moshiach should come and rebuild it. In the meantime, each of us has a Mikdash Me'at - a small sanctuary. A person's home is his own Mikdash Me'at. Today it is our responsibility to give HaShem the best of what we have to bring Him to dwell with us.
Does that mean that we should have a roof made of animal skins, goat hair and wool? Should we have gold-plated walls? No. The gold that HaShem wants from us today is our Mitzvos. A door with a Mezuzah, a Kosher Kitchen, a home revolving around Taharas HaMishpocha - theses are the adornments of a Mikdash Me'at.
Make this Shabbos Shiny!
Give it the best you've got! The Shabbos table is like the altar in the Beis HaMikdash - dressed finely and equipped with Challah and salt and wine in a special cup. We are also commanded to eat the most delicious food on Shabbos. If you discover a special delicacy during the week, you should save it for Shabbos.
This Shabbos, make an effort to have something special and delicious at your table. Enjoy it and realize that in doing so, you are serving HaShem with joy and pleasure. Share your Shabbos treat with a friend!
Leave me a comment with your special Shabbos recipe!
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