Parashat Terumah en Ingles 5786.

TERUMÁ “Your offering will attract His presence”. It instructs the Israelites to offer materials to build the Mishkán so that Hakadosh BarujHu may dwell “among them.” From the Sod (mystery), “Terumá” means to elevate, indicating the spiritual elevation of the material in order to create a sacred space, transforming selfish desire into a desire to share and connect with Hakadosh BarujHu. Derived from rum (to elevate), the offering is not only a material contribution, but the act of elevating the physical (gold, silver, wood) to a spiritual purpose. The key phrase “…and I will dwell among them” does not refer only to a physical structure, but to the fact that HaShem resides within each person who builds their own inner “sanctuary” through righteousness and intention. The text emphasizes that the offering Terumá must be voluntary (from the heart); we must imitate HaShem because that is His characteristic. The sages interpret this as the transformation of the energy of the desire to receive for oneself into the desire to share. The construction of the Mishkán symbolizes the rectification of human desire; they always had to bring offerings because it is a continuous service (Tamid / continuous offering). This rectification allows the presence of HaShem to manifest in the physical world through actions of love and justice (tzedaká). This portion teaches us a great concept that, when applied, changes our entire perspective about this world. The Torah says: “This is the offering that you shall take from them: gold, silver, and copper,” as well as the rest of the materials that can be consecrated and elevated when used properly and at the appropriate time by a Jew.