Vayakhel-Pikudey, Shabbat Parah 2012/5772

Vayakhel-Pikudey

Shabbat Parah 2012/5772

Rabbi Neil A. Tow©

There are Shabbatot when the parsha we read seems to fit in with what we are thinking about, with events and trends in the world, and then there are Shabbatot when we look at what is happening in our lives, in the world, and we scratch our heads in wonder at how we can take the time and energy to chant the Torah when the parsha appears to have no connection, in fact, it may even appear to contradict the reality that we are living.

We seem to find such a contradiction this week as we read of the general accounting of the Mishkan, a careful review of the materials, procedures, and construction of the Holy Sanctuary – both structure and holy items.  This is also Shabbat Parah – the Shabbat when we recall the purification ritual of the parah adumah/the red cow, a method for purifying individuals from contact with death.

We read these teachings while rockets are falling on our brothers and sisters in southern Israel.   Hundreds of rockets have fallen on civilian population, all the way to Gedera – 20 miles south of Tel Aviv.  200,000 school children were huddling in shelters rather than spending the day in school, now are returning to class. 

At a time of war – it seems unnatural to read about construction, about a ritual of purification.  Such things as beautiful craftsmanship and ancient rituals are luxuries at a time when Jewish people are under attack.  The goal is defense, survival, perseverance.  The necessities are shelter, food and water, fellowship, reassurance, and hope.

On second glance though, the material that we read about this Shabbat is relevant – relevant and worthy of attention.  As rockets fall, there is great fear, loss of control, confusion, and a breakdown of routines.

The accountings of the Mishkan, and the detailed ritual of the red cow provide something that on the surface, and in comparison with life’s necessities, does not seem important, but serves a sustaining function – a sense that God was present, is present, in the hands-on, in the slow and gradual building of faith, in the mystery of the unknown, in the hope of a renewed Holy Presence in the Holy Sanctuary of the Mishkan, in the hope of a renewed self by the cleansing ashes of the red cow. 

Renewal of the community, renewal of the self, or at the very least the possibility of these things continues to be important as the rockets fall. 

May our brothers and sisters soon have the ability to read about these holy matters in their usual spaces, at the usual leisurely pace, with time to think deeply and share their reflections with other community members as they walk about outside under clearer skies.

Amen.