As we look at the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, contained in this week’s Parshah, we can notice an interesting distinction. One of the major themes of the Parshah is the integral unity of the Tabernacle repeatedly emphasised in such phrases as ‘and the Tabernacle shall become one’. Yet the method of achieving this unity varies for the different parts of the Tabernacle. When it comes to the outside structure we have various pieces put together to make one framework. The wooden boards, for example, are joined together in order to consist of one structure. The vessels contained in the inside of the Tabernacle however, and especially the Menorah, are to be constructed differently. Rather than being made of different pieces put together, the Menorah, for example, must be hammered out of one block of gold. Its various parts therefore come from one source. These two methods of construction can enlighten us about the concept of intellectual unity. It used to be, as in the example of Maimonidies or Francis Bacon, that one man could know everything. That is no longer possible. With the explosion of human knowledge and the advent of specialisation, the mastery of one field of knowledge is hard enough, without the possibility of a more general specialisation. Yet this lack of general knowledge also has its dangers. We are in danger of losing an overarching sense of knowledge as a unity that combines the various branches of wisdom. The various methods used in the construction of the Tabernacle can help us solve this conundrum. On the one hand, the physical construction of the Tabernacle, its outer frame, can consist of various parts joined together. In dealing with practical pursuits, different branches of knowledge can work separately and come together as necessary for mutual benefit. But the Menorah, the symbol of wisdom and the Divine Presence that animates the Tabernacle is different. It must be made of one block, all its parts coming from one source. Similarly, the values and philosophies that inform human life cannot be confined to various specialities. Rather they need to stem from one overarching system of ideas that informs and animates our actions. Thus can our Tabernacle that is our world, truly become united.

ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS

Rishon	G-d commands the people to build a Tabernacle for His Presence to dwell among them. The Ark.
Sheni	The Ark cover, Cherubim, the Table and the Menorah.
Shelishi	The outer covering of the Tabernacle.
Revi’i	The wooden structure of the Tabernacle.
Chamishi	The Veil separating off the Holy of Holies.
Shishi	The Altar of Offering.
Shevi’i	The Courtyard of the Tabernacle.
Haftorah	I Kings: 5;26-6;13: Solomon builds the Temple.

 Sidra Statistics

Parshat Terumah

·         has 96 verses ;

·         is the 7th in Exodus, 19th in the Torah

·         10th longest in Exodus, 38th longest in the Torah

·         has 2 pos + 1 neg = 3 mitzvot.