To Build a House: Terumah.23

 To Build a House: Terumah

By Rabbi Boaz D. Heilman

February 21, 2023

Former President Jimmy Carter—his unjustified writings about the State of Israel notwithstanding—has set an amazing example for us all. Since leaving office in 1981, the 39th President of the United States has focused not on enriching himself, but rather on promoting human rights throughout the world, earning him a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

In the past few years, President Carter’s most notable work was on behalf of Habitat for Humanity. The most remarkable images for which he will be remembered are those where he and his wife, Rosalynn, are seen helping to build homes for the needy.

In this, the former President was following a famous example: that of Moses building the Tabernacle in the Wilderness.

There are, of course, many differences between the humble abodes Habitat provides and the rich and elaborate Tabernacle that Moses created. One could easily be forgiven for asking why God requires such huge quantities of gold, silver and other rich materials for the construction of God’s house. 

Many answers are possible, most of which have to do with our own, human, perception of what is proper and fitting for a structure meant to represent God’s Presence on earth. When we look at cathedrals and temples all over the world, humble isn’t exactly the first word that comes to mind.

Yet the process by which the construction of the Tabernacle was carried out belies the richness and intricacy of the result. For it involved the contribution not only of those who were able to give up a measure of their wealth for the sake of a greater good, but rather the free-will offering of every single Israelite, rich and poor alike. 

Terumah (“Contribution,” Exodus 25:1—27:19), this week’s Torah portion, does not ask for mandatory donations, but rather for free will offerings “from every person whose heart is so moved.”

It wasn’t only gold, silver and expensive dyes and wool that were necessary. Brass and copper would be needed for the nuts and bolts that would hold the entire structure together, as well as for forming the vessels and tools used in the Sacred Service. Those who had nothing material to present could offer other abilities and talents instead—designing, measuring and cutting, weaving and embroidering, and even providing food and water for the workers. 

Unlike other ancient temples, which most often relied on slave labor and heavy taxation, the Tabernacle Moses assembles is a community project. There are no taskmasters. No one is judged by how much or how little they contribute, but rather by the uplift of heart and spirit that they bring to this public endeavor.

The craftsmanship and beauty that characterized the Tabernacle continue to provide inspiration to this day. The seven-branch Menorah has become the most enduring symbol in Jewish art, displayed in many homes and at just about every temple and synagogue. The Ark of the Covenant, today housing the Torah, God’s Word, remains the most beautiful piece of furniture in every Jewish house of worship.

But most of all, the building of the Tabernacle is remembered for the community project that it was, where volunteerism and contribution—be it money, time or effort—counted equally. These are still what it takes to build and maintain communities.

It was his faith that motivated Jimmy Carter to become involved in Habitat for Humanity. It is this same force that moves us today as we carry on the mission with which Moses entrusted us: Creating sacred space for God’s Presence in our midst.

© 2023 by Boaz D. Heilman