Holy Vessels - Pt. 1 // Terumah
Part One
In this Torah portion we are introduced to the Mishkan, the tabernacle. The mobile sanctuary that G-d may dwell in as they wander in the desert. Allow me to geek out on Judaism for a second. Because I friggen love the concept of Mishkan.
Before I continue, I feel like I need to get this off my chest. Last week’s writing felt a little preachy or advice columny. I do not want this weekly publication to feel that way. I am much more into storytelling. The ideas floating around in my head for this week’s piece also have the risk of coming across as advicey. That is NOT the vibe I want, and I promise there is story here. Okay now I’m just stalling. I should just start typing…
I have spent a lot of time contemplating the idea of the Mishkan. My most favorite parallel I have heard is thinking of the body as a temple or tabernacle, a place for G-d to dwell. But this week, as I was thinking about what I wanted to write, I thought about other Mishkans that are just as important or parallel to the body. I kind of have it broken down in my head in the following ways, from most localized to most broad/abstract: Mind and heart, body, home, community, world. In all of these categories, if we do the work to make it a holy place, we invite divinity to dwell there.
***
Once upon a time, about eight years ago, I found myself at the mikvah in Tsevat, the most mystical city in Israel, perhaps in the world. I was leading yet another Israel trip. I had been there before and I would be there again.
This time, I was newly married. A woman was giving a mystical talk to the group. The women of the mikvah radiate divinity. They are literally shiny, from the inside out. The energy that radiates off them is one of magic, true contedness, and wonder. It is rather intoxicating to be around.
I stepped into a side room for a moment. I needed to catch my breath from herding forty college kids around Israel. It is truly exhausting work for anyone, but especially for introverts. I slipped into a narrow kitchenette where two young women were preparing tea for the group. My cheeks flushed, feeling like an intruder who had trespassed into a secret chamber.
“Oh, sorry! I was just looking for a place to take a little break…”
“No, you’re fine! How are you?” They asked, seeming genuinely interested and concerned.
“Oh, I’m fine,” I lied, trying to engage in small talk niceties. Mystic women don’t do small talk.
They asked where I was from. I said Oregon. I really didn’t and still don’t know that many orthodox women, but I do know a few. I mentioned the name of a friend, thinking how stupid to assume these women might know her. “We love her! She’s amazing!” The whole interaction kind of boggled my mind.
One of them looked down at my hand and saw my wedding rings. “You’re married??” She asked excitedly.
“I am,” I said looking down at my hand, smiling. I felt weirdly proud of this fact. I felt a bit of kinship with these women. By secular world standards, twenty-four is pretty young to marry. Back then I often felt a little judged by people for marrying young.
The woman who was giving the talk came in to grab the tray of tea. “She’s married!” One of the girls said to the woman. “Really?! Oh, how wonderful! We have a gift for you! Don’t leave without us getting it to you!”
It was so sweet. A gift? For me? I felt like a bride again, even though I had already been married for a few months.
After the talk was over the group toured one of the ritual bath rooms and we were about to head to our next destination. One of the women came running back to me with a white tulle drawstring bag. I don’t remember what other contents were in it. Maybe a tea light or something. But there was a laminated 5X7 card with a prayer on it framed in a decorative floral border. I was being rushed out the door by our guide, but thanked them quickly, wishing I had more time to stay and read the prayer.
I still have the prayer card. It hangs next to my bath, even though I definitely have the prayer memorized at this point. It reads:
SUGGESTED PRAYER BEFORE IMMERSION MASTER of the World: With an inspired heart, I approach the fufillment of the mitzvah of Mikvah immersion in the Living Waters for the sake of purity. MASTER of the world, in whose Providence are the souls of all living beings, grant me, my husband, (my children), all my relations, and the totality of the Jewish people, full healthy life, good fortune, and meaningful relationships. May it be your will that our house be a house of inspiration, peace, love, and closeness. Where all who enter feel Your Presence as every Jewish home is a miniature of Your Holy Temple. May your Holy Presence rest upon me and may I be a conduit of Your Light.
To Be Continued…
P.S. Fun fact, my husband does his long run on Saturdays. We joke but it is also true that my challah is the perfect way to carb up :).