Our parasha this week is Terumah. It discusses in depth the way in which the ‘Tabernacle’ (משכן) is to be built.
First, G-d tells Moshe to ask the people to bring a bunch of stuff (only if they want to), and then tells him that it is for the building of the ‘sanctuary’ (מקדש, not משכן). Conditionally, G-d says that the people should build the sanctuary and then G-d will dwell within the people—not within the sanctuary! So, who is the Tabernacle really for? If the Shekhinah (Divine Presence), is not specifically going to dwell within the place that is being made but rather among or within the people, then why bother building the complex and elaborate structure that is required of them?
Perhaps it has to do with the feeling of security that comes from shelter, no matter how limited. Many commentators suggested that the real reason for the Tabernacle was not for the sake of G-d, but really it was for the sake of the People of Israel.
Having a structure, a tent or a building, gives us that safe feeling.
It seems to be a natural instinct for people to want to have a “spot” for certain things or actions. We have our eating spots, our sleeping spots, our work spots and our… ‘facility’ spots. B’nei Israel needed to have a “G-d spot.”
I think there is something more here as well. Why is it that when we go camping, the feeling of security is often found in setting up a tent, no matter how small it is or how thin the walls are, getting in and zipping the flap shut? Sleep in the open is almost an acquired skill. I remember once I was sleeping outside, no tent or tarp above me. I awoke in the dark to the sound of rustling. I shined forth my flashlight and behold! A possum was checking out the composition of my boots! Both of us startled, the possum fled. A little while later, I awoke again to a frog landing squarely on my face during its nocturnal acrobatics.
Having a structure, a tent or a building, gives us that safe feeling. It gives us a reference point for where we belong, and gives us a sense of home. So, for Israel, wandering in the desert for 40 years, having a place that was G-d’s house, meant that there was always ultimately a place to call home