The perashah Terumah relates to us about the offerings that were given for the construction of the Mishkan. The first thing we notice is that these terumoth were not for Moshe, but for ADONAY, blessed be He. The text states, “yayiqehu li.”
In our days, we often think that when a ṣedaqah is given for the community, there is a risk that it will not be used correctly or honestly. However, we must keep in mind that it is for ADONAY, praised be He.
The second miṣwah is to make a miqedash for ADONAY, blessed be He. The Torah does not say Mishkan. Miqedash comes from the root qodesh, which means “separated” (often mistranslated as “holy”). This implies that the Mishkan was a place separated for the Creator, praised be He. In the perashah Beḥuqothay, we learn that every synagogue is considered a miqedash, as it is written, “I will destroy your miqedashim (sanctuaries)” (Wayyiqra 26:31). This is the reason why in the miqedash, one should not eat, drink, sleep, or engage in mundane conversations, out of respect.
When ADONAY, praised be He, commands the construction of a miqedash, it may also be interpreted figuratively in reference to man, who is likewise a small miqedash. The treasures and vessels represent the middoth, or character traits of each individual. Every person has virtues and less desirable traits, but together, they form one’s personality. The important thing is to offer our terumoth, both our virtues and our negative tendencies, to the Creator, blessed be He, and He will make His dwelling within us.
Therefore, the Torah states, “Weshakhanti bethokham.” The Targum Onqelos translates it as “Benehon”, meaning “among them” or “in their midst,” but it can also mean “within them.” This is another reason why we are ‘Am Qadosh. We are a separated people, for we bring shalom to the world. We do not speak or behave like the goyim, who lack derekh eres—proper conduct and refinement. The Torah was given to us to guide us to emulate the Divine: He is beneficent, slow to anger, compassionate, abundant in kindness, truthful, and forgiving.
May it be the will of the Creator, blessed be He, that the Temple of our body be pleasing to Him forever.