Our Sanctuary

In this week's Torah Portion we read about the building of the first sanctuary in Jewish history called the Mishkan (Tabernacle). 13 chapters are filled with the details of the Sanctuary's construction, from the dimensions of its pillars to the colors of its tapestries. In contrast, the Torah devotes one chapter to its account of the creation and three chapters to the revelation at Mount Sinai.

The Sages teach that the Mishkan is also a prototype for the Human experience. In the person, there too lies an inner core that continues to remain Holy and untouched by the experiences of everyday life. This is our divine and all powerful essence which we can tap in order to overcome the most difficult challenges we encounter.

Tonight we gather to kick-off our Social Action Shabbat. We hope you will join us for the teen-led Kabbalat Shabbat service beginning at 6:30pm, and then participate tomorrow in one of our three social action projects around lower Manhattan. We conclude our Social Action weekend with a lunch and a tish. Let's tap into our inner core in order to provide a gift for all those around us.