This week's double portion brings us into the World of the Israelite Desert

 

What did they do 40 years in the Sinai? 

 

We were ordered to be centered around our homes and the Tabernacle - so as NOT to suffer TOO much

 

from the doubling-down sins of the Golden Calf and the Spies convincing Israelites NOT to want to be in Israel

 

 

 

So we built a Holy Temple in the Desert - to keep us focused PRESENT AND FUTURE

 

 

 

Our sages tell us it was mainly because we had to atone for the sin of the Golden Calf

 

Some people contributed to building a little golden calf - OIY! So Silly!

 

But EVERYONE kept GIVING to build the little Mishkan – the Tabernacle in the desert

 

They knew they made a GOLDEN MISTAKE – and they knew they had to FIX IT, so

 

EVERYONE gave until Moses had to say ENOUGH!

 

Who doesn’t want MORE and MORE stuff, gold, silver, offerings? G-d!

 

The Almighty tells us EXACTLY what the Temple needs – and it’s ENOUGH - but

 

We Needed - and still need - To be CONNECTED to that Temple EVERY DAY!

 

It's how to make every day SPECIAL –SO  start by saying SHEMA YISRAEL – in the AM and the PM

 

And it is how to make SHABBOS and HOLIDAYS SPECIAL: like

 

JOY ON SHABBOS IS SPECIAL

 

CLEANING FOR PASSOVER IS SPECIAL (yes!)

 

Being part of the Temple Family is special – even if you can’t go because of …well

 

You know, whatever these days ...

 

BUT DON’T FORGET TO STAY CONNECTED –

 

G-d Gave Us Telephones to help get us through!  AND TORAH BOOKS!

 

So be well, follow the GOLDEN rules

 

Stay connected to the Holy Temple and the Almighty

 

And may we all SEE REDEMPTION AND HEALING SOON

 

 

 

Shabbat Shalom

 

Rabbi Andy Eichenholz