Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

Most of the remaining fifteen chapters in the book of Shmot deal with the Mishkan-Tabernacle. The initial command is found in the words, "Let them make for me a Tabernacle that I may dwell among them."

Commentators have noticed that the Torah does not say, "That I may dwell in it," meaning the Tabernacle. Rather, the text says, "That I may dwell among them," meaning the people.

Physical structures are important. They symbolize community, peoplehood, coming together, unity, and shared purpose. But the physical space is a means to an end. The most sacred value is God's presence within people, not a building.

We love our synagogue. The shul building represents all kinds of memories, lifecycle moments, and much more. We miss it on many levels over this past year. We hope to enter it safely soon. In the meantime, these past months have reminded us that connecting as a peoplehood is most important.

As we continue to connect through our virtual synagogue, let us strive to feel God's presence in our lives. As our Parsha teaches us, God does not dwell in a building but in the lives of those who let the divine presence inside.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison