THE DETROIT JEWISH NEWS

TORAH PORTION

Solid Foundation Still Paramount
for Jews Of This Generation

countless demands. We have
many reasons why we and our
family cannot attend Sabbath
services, even though we recog-
nize that this should be our time
for communion with the Al-
mighty; for self-renewal; for cele-
bration of our faith; and for the
serenity and peace that Sabbath
observance creates.
Judaism calls for our best — not
three days a year, not an occa-
sional meeting, not a sporadic
religious experience — but rather
constant devotion and faithful
participation. Judaism will mean
to us as much as we give to it of our
spirit, loyalty and commitment,
for these are the offerings of high-
est value.
Second, the Mishkan contained
an Ark which was the abode of the
sacred. This teaches that every
life should have a personal shrine
— holy and inviolate — that is not
profaned by self-indulgence or
material pursuits. Every day
should have its sacred moments: a
time for prayer; an opportunity
for study; an occasion for contem-
plation in which we see beyond
the urgencies of the present a

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BY RABBI IRWIN GRONER

Terumah:
Exodus 25:1-27:19.
I Kings 5:26-6:13.

37 •

interior
outorne

Special to The Jewish -News

This week's Torah portion pre-
sents a detailed description of the
construction of the Mishkan, or
tabernacle of the Hebrew people
in the days of Moses. This may
seem irrelevant to the contem-
porary Jew, of interest only to ar-
chitects or archeologists. But
\. further study discloses three as-
•
\ pects of the text that portray the
/ artistry of religion.
First, the portable sanctuary
was a magnificent structure.
Every item that went into it was
of the best material and
craftsmanship: gold and silver,
(7' fine wood; and furnishings of blue,
purple and scarlet.
7 •
Second, the tabernacle con-
tained an Ark in which there re-
posed the Tablets of the Law. That
Ark was designated as the "Holy
of Holies."
Finally, all the materials and
labor for the sanctuary were to
• come as a free-will gift. No slave
labor was to be used as was done
in the building of the pyramids
and pagan temples of Egypt.
"Every man whose heart
maketh him willing, ye shall take
from him an offering.'_' Each per-
it son responded in compliance with
the promptings of his heart and in
proportion to his material pos-
sessions.
These principles can inspire our
age no less than the Generation of
the Wilderness.
First, the material of religion
should be that which is excellent
— no shoddy stuff, no inferior
goods. It is a sad observation that
for the religious life we provide
remnants. We give to the spiritual
realm what little remains of our
energy, time and enthusiasm
after a week of exhausting compe-
tition, frantic worldly activity and

Friday, February 22, 1985

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The Ark, designated as the "Holy of Holies" in the days of Moses.

vision of eternal values. We all
require such periods of sanctity in
which to find the wisdom to ap-
preciate our blessings and the
strength to bear our burdens.
Finally, religion cannot be sus-
tained by force and coercion. The
biblical word which gives this
Sidrah its name is Terumah —
the contribution made because of
an inner conviction and not be-
cause of external compulsion. The
sanctuaries of Jewish life —
synagogues and temples; schools
and seminaries; homes for the
aged, hospitals and communal
agencies — were established by
Terumah, the offering of the
heart. The rebuilding of Eretz
Yisrael and the redemption of our
people in our time, has been made
possible by the voluntary un-
coerced will of Jews living in a
free society who identified with
their brethren in faithfulness and
love.
The sanctuaries of Jewish life
continue to thrive and survive be-
cause of this voluntary spirit that
animates our people. We are Jews
because we want to be, not be-
cause we have to be.

Maccabi Club
Meets March 3

The Metropolitan Detroit Mac-
cabi Club will hold an organiza-
tional meeting for athletes in
grades six-12 2 p.m. March 3 at
the Jewish Community Center in
West Bloomfield. ,
The club's upcoming competi-
tion in Chicago will be discussed
as well as a planned trip to Col-
umbus and a summer program in
Israel.
For information, call Leslie
Weiss, 548-8633.

May the ideals of the Mishkan
guide us as they did our ancestors
in their journey to the Land of
Promise. In that way, we shall
merit the fulfillment of the Divine
promise stated to Moses: "Let
them make Me a sanctuary, that I
may dwell among them." In build-
ing that which is holy, we make is
possible for God to dwell in our
midst.

Lecture On Russia
For Active Adults

The Active Adult program of
the Jewish Center will present a
talk by Susan Graham at noon
Monday in room 239 of the main
Center complex. Ms. Graham will
speak on "Russia: A Tough Place
to Live and an Even Toughter
Place to Leave."
Luncheon will be served at a
charge. Reservations are re-
quired. For reservations, call
Julie Silver at the Center, 661-
1000, ext. 235.
Thursday's Program Potpourri
offers discussion groups, film,
Yiddish and more. For carpool in-
formation, call Miss Silver.

Retarded Have
Talent Showcase

The Association for Retarded
Citizens/Oakland County will
present the 12th annual Michigan
Performing Arts Talent Show for
persons with mental retardation
on March 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Varner
Recital Hall on the Oakland Uni-
versity campus in Rochester. The
show is sponsored by Michigan
Council for the Arts.
The general public is invited.
Admission is nominal.

Temple Emonu-El

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• Learning center curriculum to
enhance readiness skills
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• Optional lunch program
• PareFi:foddler group
• Enrichment expression in music, dance,
creative movement and cooking

YOUR CHILD DESERVES THE BEST

— Pre-Kindergarten Class
— Extended Hours
— Summer Day Camp

Temple Emanu-El
14450 W. 10 Mile Rd.
Oak Park

For further information call the Temple office:

967-4020

Rena Cohen

Michaelyn Silverman
Co-Directors