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President's Message: Pekudei

Parshat Pikudei continues the description of the details of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), and all of the clothing and decorations of the Kohanim. It continues with the Israelites and all of the artisans coming to the Moshe to anoint the Mishkan and consecrate it so that it would be a fitting home for the Shechina, the Divine presence. The conclusion describes how the Shechina comes to rest in a cloud of smoke in the Mishkan. 

Rabbi David Stav, one of the Roshei Yeshiva of Ohr Torah Stone, relates a Midrash about this final section of the inauguration of the Mishkan. According to the Midrash, the Jewish people completed the donations to the Mishkan and waited for the Shechina to come––but it didn't. They went to the Elders who told them to build the Mishkan, but it failed to arrive. They went to the artisans, who beautified it–– but the Shechina still didn't come. 

They then complained about Moshe, blaming him and talking behind his back. Rav Stav compares this to people's tendency to rant and rave when things go awry without looking for the cause. 

The Midrash concludes by revealing the cause of the problem. All of Israel had contributed to the Mishkan and had had a role in its establishment––all except one. The Shechina would not rest in the Mishkan until everyone became a part. Moshe had to anoint the Mishkan before the Shechina would come. The Mishkan would only be a place where everyone would feel at home if everyone had some role in its establishment. All of us have a role. All of us are part of our Mishkan. All of our voices are important. We all have to feel comfortable for the Shechina to come.

• • • 

Building on the theme of building our own Shul, all of our committees are hard at work, meeting to come up with ideas to build on what we have, and improve for the future. These recommendations will be debated at the next Board meeting, if not before, and will be voted on there. I'll be sending out the agenda prior to the next meeting for the membership to have an idea about the topics that will be discussed. 

There are also a lot of events coming up in the next month, including a Shabbaton this Shabbos, and several Purim events. We’ve got something for everyone.

I wish you all a peaceful and safe Shabbos. Going into Shabbos, our hopes and prayers are with the people of Ukraine. May peace come quickly there, and throughout the world.

Wed, May 14 2025 16 Iyyar 5785