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