Terumah discusses God’s desire for the Jews to build Him a ‘Mikdash’ in great detail: “Build me a Temple and I shall dwell among them!” (Ex. 25:8)

God instructs Moses to build him a sanctuary, and then details exactly what it is He wants the nation to construct. But the idea that God needs a ‘home’ in which to reside is very troubling. Surely God is purely spiritual, and ‘resides’ in a non-physical Heaven!

There are other puzzles to ponder. Both the word ‘Mikdash’ and the word ‘Mishkan’ are used. What is the difference between a ‘Mishkan’ and a ‘Mikdash’? Also, Jews do not have a Temple nowadays. How come they don’t build one? How is it possible for Jews to be properly Jewish without a Temple, if this is what God wants?

In this insightful shiur, Rabbi Dunner reveals what it says in the Midrash and commentaries, enabling a true understanding of the essence of the ‘Mikdash’ idea and its centrality within Judaism.

PARSHAT TERUMAH 2016 – SOURCE SHEET