Bulletin February 16th

Torah Portion Preview
For T’rumah
Shabbat beginning February 16 th , 2024
T’rumah (gifts) begins with “Accept gifts for Me from every person who is so
moved…And let them make Me a sanctuary that I may dwell (v’shachanti) among
them.” Among the gifts called for were precious metals, yarns, skins, wood, oil,
spices, and gems. Detailed instructions followed for building the Ark, its cover,
table, and lampstand, surrounding these with a tabernacle covered by a tent and
undergirded with planks connected by bars, and enclosing all within a curtain that
contained a screen and the altar.
In the Women’s Commentary, Rabbi Ruth Gais points out the connection between
v'shachanti, mishkan, and Shechinah as dwelling, tabernacle, and female aspect of
God, which mediates between heaven and earth. Torah chanting is a kind of giving
to the Shekinah. Most of us gradually learn to pronounce Hebrew phrases or rely
on sources like dictionaries and translations. Rabbi Michael Stevens inspires
synagogue Torah chanters to translate each phrase, even chanting the English. We
may take many daily practice sessions to learn several verses and still read with an
accent. Yet, considering that answering foreigners in their language, even if slowly
with an accent, is a welcoming gift, Torah chanters experience such giving with
the Shechinah.
We invite all to come to synagogue in person or on Zoom on Friday night to hear
a more in-depth interpretation from Rabbi Meeka (or this Sabbath's lay speaker).
We also invite other views, interpretations, reflections, and even poems on each
Torah portion. If you have something to contribute, please email it to
RPC@templeadasshalom.org. This and prior previews can be found at Dr. David
Dirlam's website by clicking on Changing Wisdoms Projects.
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