Pekuday

The Torah reading reflects the building of the Mishkan, the Sanctuary in the desert.  Sometimes in Torah the Mishkan is also referred to as a Mishkan Edut, meaning a Sanctuary of Testimony.  

The Midrash asks, to what kind of testimony did this Sanctuary attest?  They answer that it was forgiveness in the aftermath of the episode with the Goldn Calf. 

It was assumed by all, that after the Israelites built this idol that they had become forever distant from God.  The Mishkan Edut was the indicator of forgiveness, moving forward in a renewed relationship.  The Israelites repented and grew.

The same is true for our lives.  When something bad happens in a relationship there are tears, accusations and ultimately a letting go of the bitterness and anger.  At the same time, there must also be a change in the relation, something that will prevent that bad thing from recurring.  We grow and change from our missteps.

The Sanctuary was that item in biblical times.  Love, fidelity and honor allow us to grown our time.

The Torah may be ancient but its message is eternal.  Learn. Grow.  Become.

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