Parashat Terumah opens with God speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, commanding him in great detail regarding the construction of the mishkan (tabernacle), the portable dwelling place of God’s presence that the Israelites could transport, assemble, and disassemble during their journey through the desert. God continues, commanding Moses to acquire fifteen specific materials for the construction of the mishkan—each item a terumah (offering). The offerings include gold, silver, and copper; blue, purple, and red-dyed wool; flax, goat hair, and animal skins; acacia wood, olive oil, spices and gems.

While at first glance, Parashat Terumah seems like God’s shopping list, with Moses serving as God’s errand boy, these over-the-top materials and detailed instructions serve a weighty purpose: to remind us that even in the middle of the wilderness, God is with us. In my opinion, the most powerful verse in this parasha is God telling Moses:

וְעָ֥שׂוּ לִ֖י מִקְדָּ֑שׁ וְשָׁכַנְתִּ֖י בְּתוֹכָֽם
Ve’asu li mikdash veshachanti betocham

They shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell among them (Exodus 25:8)

In a sense, this entire parasha is a reminder of God’s loving presence, even during difficult and trying times.

This Shabbat, in partnership with JIAS—Jewish Immigrant Aid Services—Beth Tzedec will be participating in Refugee Shabbat. From the JIAS website:

 Canadian Jews, many of whom are descended from refugees, have a long history of sponsoring and supporting refugees to rebuild their lives in Canada. Today, this is more important than ever. In 2024, anti-immigrant sentiment in Canada rose significantly. At the same time, population displacement continues to increase around the globe – and as Jews, we know all too well what it means to be forsaken. 

Refugee Shabbat is an opportunity for Jewish congregations, community groups & individuals across Canada and around the world to recognize these efforts, share stories, reaffirm our commitment to refugees and to learn more about how we, as Jews and as Canadians, can make a  difference for people seeking a safe haven in Canada.  

We are pleased to welcome Naomi Kramer, Beth Tzedec member and Senior Manager, Development, at JIAS Toronto, who will speak in both the Sanctuary Service and the Short and Sweet Multigenerational Family Service.

As already stated, we as Jews know this story far too well, be it from biblical narratives, not-so-distant history, or current events still unfolding before our eyes. May this Shabbat serve as a reminder that no one is alone and that each of us can help build a sanctuary—a place of safety and security—for those who need it most.

Shabbat Shalom,

Cantor Audrey