Terumah
What is mirrored in our meditation practice?
Reflection by Ariel Yisraelah Hendelman, the Or HaLev Team:
"The Torah portion of Terumah, meaning offering, is largely concerned with the intricate details of constructing the mishkan, or tabernacle, the physical space that would serve as the dwelling place for the Shechinah, the feminine Divine presence while our ancestors journeyed through the desert. In fact, the two words share the same root -- שכן. There is a sense that something sacred is being built with incredible attention to detail, with reverence for beauty, craftsmanship, and patience, and that from that nucleus, a holy community emanates outwards, a tribe, kindred spirits.
There are many ways that YHVH could have begun this process. Moshe could have been instructed to take certain things from the people, to galvanize them into action in this way or that. But what happens is this: `Tell the Israelite people to bring Me gifts; you shall accept gifts for Me from every person whose heart is so moved`(Ex 25:2).
YHVH only wants terumot from those whose hearts are moved to give. It is from this emotional place, one of ratzon (desire) from creation, that the Creator's dwelling place can be built.
We see this mirrored in our meditation practice. If daily practice is seen as a chore for you, it's probably not going to last. But if there is ratzon and oneg in the practice - desire and pleasure - then it will become a beautiful touchstone of your spiritual life. In what way can we have closer intimacy with ourselves and the One Who Made & Sustains Us than in our meditation practice? We can see clearly what our minds are so busy with, where we get stuck, and we can relish in the space, the being, that shines like a precious stone. May it be so."