The Rabbi returned to Awaz Radio station based in Nelson Lancashire for another discussion with radio presenter Faz Patel and chair of the Lancashire Forum of Faiths Andy Pratt (who is also the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire).
“It was again a delight to be hosted by Faz at Awaz. I felt so welcomed and comfortable to discuss all topics. I covered Jewish culture and religion answering questions that came in from WhatsApp. Most importantly we addressed the hatred that still effects so many in society which was topical just after Holocaust Memorial Day and the awful terrorist attack in Texas by a terrorist from Blackburn. I concluded by singing “Ani Maamin”- I believe with perfect faith explaining to the audience how Judaism teaches us to always live with faith and hope in a redemptive future, that we must never cave in to darkness or the idea that we cant improve ourselves and the world around us”
Terumah
What is the greatest thing you can achieve in your life? I would invite you to ponder this question for a few moments before continuing to read on.
Well of course we all have different priorities. Some of us might want to improve (we can all accept perfection is humanly impossible) our most important relationships; ones spouse, children, relatives, wider family or ones close close friends.
Some may wish to make a new discovery that will change the world. Or maybe build the biggest company, become the greatest employer or a philanthropist helping people to live better lives.
Maybe a “smaller” goal of transforming a negative habit or personality trait
But what does the Torah say about what is our human potential. Surely God who created us knows our true core potential?
In Parshat Terumah we are given a glimpse of what a human can be in a one short verse:
“Make for me a sanctuary and I will dwell in them”. This is the command to build the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem.
However the sages pick up on the discrepancy of the verse that ends with “I will dwell in them” which is inaccurate as it should have said “dwell in it”?
The Midrash explains that the Torah is teaching us an additional layer of meaning; that God will dwell within each and every individual.
In other words our mission in life is to make ourselves into a sanctuary to house Gods presence!
The human soul has the capacity to be touched by the Divine and God is infinite and unlimited!
Gods mission for us is nothing less than the complete transformation of our personalities, our thoughts speech and action into a vehicle for Godliness.
There is no dimension of our lives or the human condition that is devoid of the potential to be elevated and transformed! Godliness is in everything and so every circumstance of life we find ourselves in is an opportunity for us to uncover a deeper perspective or way of living.
The Scientist can work towards revealing Gods infinite majesty and wonder that powers creation as the Psalmist says “How great are your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep”.
The business man can reveal the depth of truth and honesty and integrity in his or her fair dealings with others. His business is a vehicle to bring dignity to the human condition so that we can live in prosperity so as to fulfil our true mission to know God.
This thinking can be applied to every occupation to every relationship and every circumstance of life.
God wants us to lift ourselves and all around us to a higher state of consciousness.
We are ambassadors of the Divine each with a unique mission to fulfil and spiritual DNA.
Our world is filled with many distractions that take us away from our true self.
Parshat Terumah is a reminder of our Godly potential.
Shabbat Shalom