This week’s parshah, Terumah, is about building the Mishkan (Sanctuary) in the desert.
HaShem told Moshe to make a collection from amongst the Jews in order to build a Mishkan. MiShKaN shares the root word “ShAkeN” (to dwell), and the purpose of the Mishkan is to provide a “dwelling place” for God’s SheKiNah (God’s Divine Presence) – a means of experiencing God’s Presence in our lives.
The Zohar teaches that the items of the Mishkan parallel the human body. For example, the Table represents the digestive tract. The Menorah (Candelabrum), with its seven lamps, represents the seven apertures of the head: two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, and the mouth. The Menorah itself parallels the head. The Ark is the heart, the cherubim upon it are the lungs, and so on. This is because a person – any person – can make themselves a sanctuary for HaShem and have the Shekhinah rest upon them.
Reb Noson points out that the word “ShaKeN” can also apply to one who is a temporary dweller (as in one who dwells bishKhaNuS; renting). This means that everyone who puts effort into recognizing God, even if it isn’t an absolute commitment (i.e., 24/7), even if it is for a short period, can deserve, according to their efforts, to experience HaShem, even if for a short while.
We can deduce this from the skins of the tachash, a multicolored animal which lived during the period of the building of the Mishkan for the purpose of the Sanctuary (Exodus 25:5; see Rashi). As the Targum translates, the tachash is sasgavna, it was joyously proud of its many colors. Reb Noson explains that the multicolored skin represents the good points and positive attributes a person is proud of through their good deeds. For whenever a person does something good, they have reason to be proud of that act and to rejoice. And, as our Sages teach, the Shekhinah rests upon one who is happy with their good deeds!
Have a great Shabbos!
