Terumah 5782 – Building a Mishkan in our Homes

The Bottom Line

Hashem’s desire to live among Klal Yisroel and be attached to us overshadows even the purpose of Olam Haba. This is according to the Gr”a, who says that this is the purpose of the creation of the entire world! How can I generate love for Hashem and respond to Him in the way that He wants me to? How can I build a mishkan in my heart for Hashem? The answer is, by creating a deep and tangible feeling that Hashem is an integral part of my life, where He Himself “feels” welcome in my house. This is the epitome of what it means to have a Jewish home. This coming week, I will look around my home, to make sure that the sefarim I have are more prominently displayed than any of the coffee-table magazines, frum novels, art books or cookbooks that I might have lying around. As so vividly described in the story about Rav Miller, zt”l, I will also attempt to “eat with Hashem” for a few short, private moments while consciously enjoying my delicious dinner. This will help me to feel that I am embracing the presence of Hashem, who wants to attach Himself to this world, as opposed to tolerating an important guest.