| This D’var Torah is dedicated in memory of the 6 fallen U.S. Air Force Airmen who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of our country over the skies of Iraq in recent days. It is also dedicated in memory of U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shah (z”l) who was senselessly murdered by a terrorist at Old Dominion University. May their memories be for a blessing, may we and God up above comfort their families and friends, and may we always remember their lives, service, and sacrifice. |
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| This D’var is also dedicated in humble thanksgiving and eternal gratitude to the security personnel at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan, who bravely prevented a terrorist attack against this sacred Jewish house of worship, and the Army ROTC cadets at Old Dominion University who courageously and selflessly ended a horrific terrorist attack. May we all be inspired by their altruism, selflessness, and valor. |
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| Shabbat Shalom. |
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| I pray this finds you all safe and well. |
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| When I was a little boy, my dad used to take me to a forest that bordered the Atlantic Ocean. I was a very talkative kid, but in that park, we’d just sit there silently and watch the waves, the ships, the gulls, all of it. As I grew up and traveled the world, whether it was the sun setting over Guantanamo Bay, gazing up at the snow-capped majesty of Mount Rainier in Washington state, overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem, or watching barges travel up and down the mighty Mississippi, I would get lost in the moment and the grandeur of it all. Now married, when my wife and I are at home relaxing together on the couch in front of the fire after a hard day’s work, surrounded by our cats and dog, I feel blessed with that same sense of tranquility. Tranquility, peace, holiness…the Divine Presence of God, it’s these moments that we hope for, pray for, and, quite frankly, make life worth living. |
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| How do we obtain the Shekinah – the glory of God’s Divine Presence – in our lives? |
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| Perhaps this week’s combined parshiyot of Vayakhel-Pekudei(Exodus 35:1-40:38) gives us some insight. After the Children of Israel donate in abundance to the building of the Mishkan(Tabernacle), the skilled craftsmen Betzalel and Aholiav and their workers build the holy edifice, create the sacred furnishings, and sew the garments that the priests will wear. Then, Aaron and his sons are sworn and consecrated into the priesthood and the Shekinah comes to dwell with Israel. We are told: |
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| “Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle…And whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys.But if the cloud was not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up. For the cloud of the LORD was upon the tabernacle by day, and there was fire therein by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.” (*Exodus 40:34,36-38) |
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| Through abundant and altruistic giving, dedicated, skilled labor, and avodah she’ba’lev and avodat kodesh (service of the heart and sacred work), Israel earns the right to receive God’s holy presence. |
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| The question begs, how in our day, can we make things holy, thus inviting in a sense and presence of the Divine? |
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| To this end Doseta ben Yannai taught, “A penny for the poor will obtain a view of the Shekhinah”;[1] Hanina ben Teradion professed, “Where two meet in Torah, the Shekhinah is present”;[1] and finally Rabbi Joseph Albo wrote, “‘“In the future world there is neither eating nor drinking, but the righteous sit with their crowns on their heads and enjoy the splendor of the Shekhinah.’”[2] |
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| There it is- when we give to charity, when we study the texts of our people together in friendship, and when we act righteously, we invite in God’s presence. |
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| The beauty and warmth of God’s divine presence into our lives is nothing short of a gift and a privilege. It is not given – it is something we must earn and work hard for. How will you invite the Shekhinah into your life? |
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| Wishing you a Good Shabbos and a peaceful weekend. |
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| Bivrakha, |
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| Rabbi Aaron |
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