By Marco Del Monte
“Speak to the children of Israel, that they take for Me an offering terumah. From every man whose heart stirs him up you shall take My terumah”.
In this parashah Hashem commands the people of Israel to bring an offering for the construction of the Tabernacle. Rabbi Yaakov Abuchatzeira explains that this mitzvah is not to be considered limited to a specific time, but rather should serve as a teaching for all generations. In every generation, the children of G-d's covenant are asked for an offering in the broader sense—that is, something offered of oneself, whether in terms of money, potential, or the will to walk in the ways of Hashem. In making this offering, the best approach is one driven by a generous heart and great joy, in such a way, explains the Abir Yaakov, as to turn the destiny of the people for the good by relinquishing a little of ourselves before the King's command. Rabbi Yaakov writes (Ghinzei Hammelech, Likutei Shoshanim) that even at the moment when a person prays before the Creator, this act embodies the concept of "Terumah-Offering", which is also read as "Itromemut-Elevation", just as it is written in Tractate Berachot 6b: Prayer is one of the things that reaches up to the highest (Rumah-Itromemut) of worlds.
For this reason, the verse states that a prayer should be expressed by every person whose heart is generous: the words do not emerge merely from the lips, but from the root and depth of the heart; it is no coincidence that prayer is called "Avodah Shebalev - The service of the heart".
In the broadest sense of the verse, every act of self-sacrifice toward Hashem should be accompanied by conversation with Hashem, as Rabbi Nachman of Breslov often reminds us—that prayer which in ancient times consisted of simply speaking to the Kadosh Baruch Hu and telling Him about ourselves, asking for His help, or simply thanking Him for the good He gives us. Sometimes one calls a parent not only because one needs them, but simply to get in touch with them, to feel close, because of a sense of longing. This is what Hashem asks of us: to call Him as often as possible, to involve Him in our lives, not to make Him feel our distance so that He can make us feel His closeness and say: "I am here, My children, do not worry, I will take care of you."
Build Me a Sanctuary and I Will Dwell Within You!
Shabbat Shalom Umevorach
Translated from the Italian with Google Gemini. The Italian text is the original.