Exodus teaches us about two kind of “t’ruma” – “raising up offerings”.  The first is described in 25:2-7.  Here, generosity of heart leads one to freely donate one’s most precious gifts to the building of sacred space.   Our freewill offerings can be from the physical realm - our gold, silver, copper, precious dyes and fabrics and stones – or from the realms of time, creativity, emotion or mind, as we give, not only our physical riches, but also our personal resources to the creation of holy community.

There is another other aspect of giving that is discussed several chapters later.   In Exodus 30:12-16 we learn of the other t’ruma, the other raising-up offering – that of the mahatzit ha-shekel, the half-shekel required donation.  This is the balance to the generosity offering.   Rich or poor, each person was required to give a half-shekel to maintain the sanctuary and support the daily offerings.  Everyone gave the same half-shekel. 

When I think of applying these two types of giving to our community, I realize that there are those who, through the willingness of their heart, have decided to become members of our community.  This is parallel to the first kind of t’ruma.

On the other hand, many of us just come occasionally and do not feel called to join Chochmat HaLev as a member.  In order to keep our sanctuary functioning - the lights, heat, building, our band – then I ask you to take the second t’ruma teaching seriously.  Every time you come to our holy sanctuary, please accept the obligation of the half-shekel teaching and donate the value of a movie, or a latte, or a gourmet chocolate bar to help us sustain our offerings.

Why is it so difficult to speak in Jewish community of such money matters, especially on Shabbat?  I continue to challenge myself with this question.

Please join me as we use our creative gifts and spiritual powers to build our own Tabernacle as we each open the space for the Divine to flow into our world and into our wise hearts.  Together we draw down the potential of the World That Is Coming as we sustain our precious community spiritually and financially.

With blessing as together we study the last half of the book of Exodus this year,
Rabbi SaraLeya
February 11, 2011
7 Adar 1 5771