TERUMAH 1979

In this Torah portion we have described the Tabernacle, the objects that were supposed to be in it and how they were to be made.  The Misken or Tabernacle was to be the spiritual center of the Jewish people.  It was a strange spiritual center.  It really wasn't open to the people.  The courtyard which held the altar was the only part of it accessible to the people.  The Misken, itself, was divided into two parts, one of which was only open to the Cohain Godol on Yom Kippur.  The other the holy was only open to the priests.  What kind of spiritual center was this?  Judaism has a world view which is not shared by much of Modern nam - that's why our Synagogues are not thronged and Jewish practices thriving.  Paradoxically, modern science shares the Jewish view.  Most modern name unaware of modern scientific concepts.  Basic scientific concept man cannot know anything with 100% certainty since the very act of observing it changes it.  This is known as the uncertainty principle.  Besides, most modern scientific laws stated in terms of probabilities, some theories of Modern physics have an object at two places at same time.  This conforms to Jewish concept that we cannot know everything we can try but ultimately only G‑d can know everything.  Our minds are limited.  In the world there are many conflicting forces.  The mountain looks different from different angles, all are accurate.  We feel that ultimately G‑d will reconcile everything.  He is one.  We know this, we feel this but    can't explain this.  Most important things we know but can't explain.  When choose a wife, husband, career we know we feel it's right although can't explain it.  This can be dangerous if not balanced by Ten Commandments.  That's why Ten Commandments in Holy of Holies, even the most unexplainable things must be tested by Ten Commandments, if found wanting we must give them up.  Above the Ten Commandments two Cherubim in the shape of children embracing.  It is in family, feel right things about life.  Can't explain but know and feel life's meaning.  In the holy table with showbread and menorah between them incense altar.  Incense in Judaism always represents the soul, things we can feel but not explain.  We can feel meaning of life by working in an occupation (showbread), learning Torah (menorah) for which we need guidance but most of all by having a family.  The unknowable can be felt.  We can't explain it but it comes out right, as long as raise family on Ten Commandments.  Pray having a family feel avenger of things.

Story about two little kids talking, one 4 and one 5.  Four year old girl to brother, 5, "Guess what, Mammy just had a baby."  5 year old boy, "Gee, I heard it cost $1000 to have baby?"  Four year old, "It's okay, they last a long time."  Our families should last a long time and feel oneness of life.

Kashrut shabbos may not change the world directly but it channels us to family and gives us the strength to operate in a world in which we cannot have absolute knowledge and must act on feel and faith.