Rabbi Yitz Greenberg teaches that all human beings are created in the image of God, which means that every human life is of infinite value (“if you save one life it is as if you saved the entire world”), equal (all images of God are equally precious and valid), and unique (each person is irreplaceable). I would add that if this is true, then each of us has something special to contribute to our world.
In this week’s Torah portion, God tells Moses to, “Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart so moves him.” (Exodus 25:2) This command applies to materials for the construction of the Mishkan, the Sacred Temple that held God’s Divine Presence dwelled.
But it is true for us as well. Each of us has a gift, something special we can contribute to our families, our synagogue, our community and the world to make each better, stronger and more vital. The trick is to identify that gift and to give it with a willing heart. In this way we can be God’s agent of change in the world.
What is your special gift? Are you ready to step forward and share it?
Terumah – Exodus 25:1 – 27:19 – Parshat Ha Shavua for Shabbat, Saturday, February 29, 2020
February 28, 2020 by Dean Kertesz •
Rabbi Yitz Greenberg teaches that all human beings are created in the image of God, which means that every human life is of infinite value (“if you save one life it is as if you saved the entire world”), equal (all images of God are equally precious and valid), and unique (each person is irreplaceable). I would add that if this is true, then each of us has something special to contribute to our world.
In this week’s Torah portion, God tells Moses to, “Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart so moves him.” (Exodus 25:2) This command applies to materials for the construction of the Mishkan, the Sacred Temple that held God’s Divine Presence dwelled.
But it is true for us as well. Each of us has a gift, something special we can contribute to our families, our synagogue, our community and the world to make each better, stronger and more vital. The trick is to identify that gift and to give it with a willing heart. In this way we can be God’s agent of change in the world.
What is your special gift? Are you ready to step forward and share it?