This Shabbat is Parashat T'rumah which deals with the construction of the Mishkan - the Tabernacle.  In these chapters of the Bible, we learn the specifics of how our ancestors built the portable enclosure for carrying the Tablets of the Law with them through the wilderness. 

But what really was the Tabernacle?  

I believe we could define it as the "first synagogue" that our ancestors had - that is, the first tangible place where G-d could reside.

But then we might ask: "Why did our ancestors need a portable enclosure having so many specific building details just to carry tablets?  Why did they need a tabernacle?"

Moshe Cassuto, a biblical scholar of Florence, Italy, in the year 19 CE, offered this explanation...

"In order to understand the significance and purpose of the Tabernacle, we must realize that the Children of Israel, after they had been privileged to witness the revelation of G-d on Mount Sinai, were about to journey from there and thus draw away from the site of the theophany [a divine manifestation].  So long as they were encamped in the place, they were conscious of G-d's nearness; but, once they set out on their journey, it seemed to them as though the link had been broken, unless there were in their midst a tangible symbol of G-d's presence among them.  It was the function of the Tabernacle to serve as such a symbol."

So, at the time of the wanderings in the desert, the focus was on the single symbolism of the Tabernacle.

However, we, in modern times, recognize that our synagogues need to offer multiple symbols/connections to provide an effective "spiritual home base" to diverse congregants.

In particular, here at Temple Beth Israel, some of you feel most attracted to the ritual and services side; while others feel most connected through our Religious Studies program (which can effectively educate your children); and still others prefer to connect through our social-action or social-event offerings (for example, in order to make friends).

Yes, each one of you is a unique part of today's 21^st century synagogue-culture.  And, rest assured, that we at Temple Beth Israel will constantly strive to offer those items that will best meet the unique needs of its congregants - and, in particular, YOUR needs!

Please let us hear from you soon!