This coming Tuesday, the ninth of Adar, marks the anniversary of the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe's arrival in the United States.An insight of his on this week's portion: We read the verse, "Make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell within them." Why does G-d say He will dwell in "them" and not in "it"? Within them, as explained by Chasidic literature, means within every Jew. For, within the soul of every Jew is a place devoted and dedicated to G-dliness.
The Previous Rebbe explained: The site of the sanctuary remains sacred, even in times of exile and desolation. For the destruction of the Temple is limited to its building alone. The foundation of the Temple, ananloguos for every Jewish individual's sanctuary, however, remains in its holy state, irrespective of seeming desctruction..
Expanding on this idea, the Rebbe spoke on numerous occasions about the need to turn our homes into mini-sanctuaries. Make our homes sanctuaries for Torah study, charity, and prayer. In addition, we would do well to fill the house with true Jewish furnishings - Jewish books and a charity box attached to a wall so that it becomes part of the actual structure.
Each family member, including children of all ages, can also participate by making their own rooms into mini-sanctuaries. Torah study, prayer, and charity can all be practiced in the mini-sanctuary, as well as other mitzvot.
Within every Jew, within each Jewish home, is that spark of G-dliness that remains totally indestructible. It is the sanctuary that G-d commanded us to make in this week's Torah portion. May we all merit to beautify and enhance our own personal sanctuary.
ChabadTexas.org Editor
Adapted from Lchaim Weekly
Adapted from Lchaim Weekly