This week's Torah reading is the first of several that describe the detailed construction of the Mishkan — the temporary Temple that traveled with the Jews in the desert — and its various fixtures.
The focal point of the MIshka, and later in the Beis Hamikdash in Jerusalem, was the Aron, the Ark of the Covenant, situated in the Holy of Holies. The Ark housed the Tablets with the Ten Commandments, as well as a Torah scroll. It was from the Ark that Moses heard G-d's voice emanating.
A fascinating teaching about the Ark is that although it was a physical fixture placed in a physical structure, it didn't actually take up any physical space. So, although the Holy of Holies measured ten cubits, and the Ark was two-and-a-half cubits long, when measuring from one end of the Ark to one wall and from the other end to the other wall, one would have five cubits on either side. But when measuring the room in its entirety, there would still only be ten cubits, not twelve-and-a-half.
Much is made in Kabbalah about this phenomenon, but there is one primary lesson drawn throughout the teachings of Chassidus:
Since Hashem is the Creator of both the physical and the spiritual realms, he is greater than both. To say that Hashem is only spiritual would be to limit G-d's reach and capabilities. Therefore, His greatness can be expressed within the physical world for all to see. You don't need to be a spiritual being to recognize G-dliness around you.
To highlight this, the Ark embodied this fusion. It was physical to the touch, but it was also otherworldly. It was a holy physical object, demonstrating our ability to connect with the Divine within our own very physical existence.
Such was the purpose of the Mishkan in general — to make G-dliness a reality in our lives. By building a structure and making a difference within the community, G-d became a constant in the Jewish people's lives, even as they went about their mundane daily activities.
May we soon merit to witness the ultimate fusion of the spiritual and physical, with the coming of Moshiach!
Good Shabbos!
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
- Mondays, Begins Feb. 12 - NEW COURSE: HalachaU Cleaning and Building on Shabbos - In depth course on laws of opening packages and cleaning stains out of clothing on Shabbos. HalachaU is a weekly class that studies Torah in Depth, with an emphasis on modern application. Register here www.chabaduptown.org/6123170
- 3 more Tuesdays, Feb 13 - March 5 - JLI: Advice for Life: The Lubavitcher Rebbe's Guidance for Leading a More Purposeful Life - Experience the Rebbe’s exceptional approach to uncovering timeless meaning in everyday questions of health, work, family, fulfillment, struggle, and inner peace. Register
- Tues., Feb. 20, 12-1:30 pm - Feb. Lunch & Learn Jewish Approach to Mindfulness & Meditation. At the monthly Lunch & Learn the community has an opportunity to enjoy an upscale lunch with like minded friends for a spirited class and discussion! RSVP
- Sunday, March 10, 9:30am-4pm - Mental Health First Aid Join a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues. CEU credits available. RSVP
- Sunday, March 24, 4 pm - Purim in the Jungle & Drum Circle - Join us for an unforgettable Jungle themed Purim party for the whole family and community, bringing friendship and fun together! www.chabaduptown.org/jungle
UPCOMING YJP HOUSTON EVENTS:
- 2 more Wednesdays, Feb. 14-28, 7:30 pm THE DILEMMA - CYP ACADEMY: Relevant and fascinating topics, paired with delectable dinner. Not every debate needs a bottom line. Sometimes, the dialogue itself is everything. Introducing our new course, THE DILEMMA: step in to the study halls of Babylonia, and take an active role in discussions that are thousands of years old, and yet relevant as ever. www.yjphouston.org/dilemma
- Friday, March 1, 6 pm Moroccan Shabbat First Fridays - Enjoy a Moroccan Themed evening with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. Bring your friends, ages 21-39! Friday Night Services: 6:00PM, Shabbat Candle Lighting: 6:03PM, Shabbat Dinner 7:00PM, $18 until Thursday, $25 after. Use promo code: advance www.yjphouston.org/casablanca
- Saturday, March 23, 9:30 pm - YJP, YAD & Jewston Murder Mystery Purim for Young Professionals - An interactive comedy murder mystery dinner professionally produced by the The Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show. Just beware! The killer is hiding somewhere in the room, and you may find yourself as a Prime Suspect! www.yjphouston.org/mysterypurim
- March 29-31: CYP Shabbaton Encounter Texas - YJP Houston will host an exciting weekend of soulful connections and enriching encounters, fostering personal and spiritual growth. Registration includes the full programming, including all meals, classes, group discussions, social mixes, axe throwing, entertainment and volunteering opportunities, from Friday afternoon - Sunday afternoon More & RSVP www.chabadyoung.com/tx
Mazel tov to Nethanial and Rivka Assayag on birth of a baby boy!
We wish condolences to Maria Itkin on the passing of her father
Shabbos Parshas Teruma
Friday, February 16, 7 Adar I
5:53 pm Shabbos Candle Lighting & Mincha
6:00 pm Kabbolas Shabbos
6:45 pm RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, February 17, 8 Adar I
9:00 am Chassidus
10:00 am Shacharis Services
Followed by Shabbos Lunch Kiddush & Farbrengen
5:50 pm Mincha
Seder Niggunim
6:48 pm Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends
Living Torah
Sunday, February 18, 9 Adar 1
8:00 am Shacharis
Monday-Friday, February 19-23, 10-14 Adar 1 (Purim Katan)
6:45 am Shacharis
Good Shabbos!