D'var Torah

This week’s Torah portion, Terumah, has the neat qualification of being one of the Torah portions that is most-frequently-quoted on the walls of our building. In Terumah, the Israelites receive instructions for building the Mishkan, a portable worship space in the desert. One of Terumah’s most famous verses, which adorns the entrance to our sanctuary, is, “let them make Me a sanctuary, that I [God] may dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). Every time we come together to pray, this verse reminds us, we are inviting God into our midst.

Earlier in the portion, God tells Moses that he should collect the raw material for the sanctuary by taking from “every person whose heart volunteers” (Exodus 25:2). (You can find a verse that reiterates this sentiment — Exodus 35:5 — on the wall outside of our Mishkan.) It’s a lovely framing, and one that reminds me a lot of the TRS community — we are a place built and sustained by a lot of people generously volunteering their hearts, and minds, and skills. 

It also feels particularly fitting that this year, Parshat Terumah falls in the middle of February — in the middle of both Black History Month and Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM). Both of these annual February celebrations remind us of the many ways that our communities — on micro and macro levels — are strengthened by their diversity. We need the gifts — the strengths, the contributions — of everyone in our community. In the Jewish community, Black History Month and JDAIM remind us to stop and learn about and honor the many gifts of Black Jews and Jews with Disabilities, in particular. 

This month saw the publication of two new Jewish blessings, one for Black History Month and one for JDAIM, and so I’d like to close this mini-drash by sharing them with you.

First, from Rabbi Sandra Lawson, we have a new blessing for Black History Month:

“Blessed are You, Creator of all who has created diversity and multiplicity within humanity.

We give thanks for the strength, resilience, and contributions of my people, Black people throughout history and today.

May we continue to strive for understanding, justice, and equality for all people.

May the stories and memories of those who have come before us inspire us to work towards a brighter future for all of us.

Happy Black History Month.

Amen.”

And second, from Rabbi Emily Aronson, we have a new blessing for JDAIM, called “A blessing for disabled and chronically ill Jews,” which reads in part:

“May you be reminded of your inherent holiness, for you were created B’tzelem Elohim, in the image of God. May you feel enveloped by the sacred energy of the universe. May you be included, celebrated, and honored, not just this month, but every month. … May Or HaChaim, the light of life, course through you, filling you from within. May Shechinah, the indwelling presence, accompany you on your journey. May HaMakom, the place, help you feel a sense of home and hope. … May this month of being centered encourage pride in your identity, self-discovery, and solidarity. May you experience moments not only of shalom, peace, but also of shleimut, wholeness. Ken Yehi Ratzon, may it be so.”

This month, and this week of Parshat Terumah especially, may we all take time to honor one another, and to appreciate all of the ways that we together, we contribute to the wholeness and the healing of our community and our world.

Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Alexandra Stein