Sensing The Presence
This week’s double Torah portion, Vayakhel-Pekude, brings both the building of the Tabernacle and the Book of Exodus to a close. The Israelites’ concern as to whether God accepted their immense construction project of the heart is immediately quelled, as a cloud descends to occupy the sanctuary, signifying God’s presence, and affirming God’s pleasure. The “presence of God” is rendered in the Hebrew as “kavod adonai,” literally the “honor of God.” This can be understood in many ways: God’s presence honors the people’s efforts, the product of “moved hearts;” or the Tabernacle represents the people’s ultimate and concrete expression of honor to God. Or maybe, in a more elemental sense, when we are truly present for another, truly invested in the present moment, undistracted by the myriad temptations and insignificances that dilute our attention–and ready with an open mind and open heart–God resides in that moment between people. Holiness is less for mountain tops and grand edifices, and more about true connection and true acceptance.
– Rabbi Daniel Weiner
