This week’s Parsha, Parshat Terumah, describes the building of the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, a place dedicated to the worship of G-d for the Jews travelling through the desert towards the Land of Israel. The Mishkan was an architectural feat of impressive proportions -- a majestic, yet portable building that could be packed up at a moment’s notice and re-assembled at a new destination.

When G-d told Moses to instruct the Jewish people to build the Mishkan, he said “Make a sanctuary for me and I will dwell among them.” What does it mean to dwell among them? Shouldn’t the Torah have said instead He would dwell in the sanctuary, on which they spent so much time, effort and money? Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that G-d is not only in the Temple. When we are dedicated to our relationship with G-d in all areas of our lives, even the seemingly mundane ones, and not just in the Temple, then He dwells among us. This is the ultimate goal of the Mishkan.

There is a famous story told about the Kotzker Rebbe. When he was a young child of eight years old, the future Rebbe was asked, “Where can you find G-d?” Wise beyond his years, he answered, “Wherever you let him in.” We’ll only feel G-d’s presence if we let Him into our lives.

When we take the first step and make positive choices to live in accordance with G-d’s Will, we allow G-dliness into our lives, making everything we do deeply meaningful.

Shabbat Shalom!