Torah portion

SPIRIT

TORAH PORTION

A Wholehearted E ort

I’ve always been fond of the brought for the making of quote by Olympic runner the Tabernacle. Peter Snell who, in refer- Our ancestors’ generosity ence to training on rainy days, teaches us an important lessaid, “… there’s a satisfaction son. There was an overabunin knowing you’re out there dance of materials because when others aren’t.” the Israelites offered as much

To me, it was the as they could. They put reminder during my their whole hearts into college running days their giving. And just that there were no as they did with their excuses for missing offerings, bringing the training runs. That if I required materials for wanted to be my best, Rabbi Daniel the Tabernacle, so, too, every step counted. Schwartz did they model for us Even if no one else that we, too, have the would know I missed Parshat responsibility in life to a training day over the summer, I knew. To do Vayakhel/ Pekuday: Exodus put forth our best effort. When we give our my best, I had to put in 35:1-40:38; best, that’s what we get my best. Ezekiel in return. But when

This week’s double 45:16-46:18. we water things down, portion teaches us a whether it be our work similar lesson. The portions ethic, what we put into relabegin with Moses assembling tionships, the work we do the people, reminding us to to fulfill our vision or our observe the Sabbath and pro- dreams, then we get little viding the instructions for the value in return — our end building of the Tabernacle, results don’t do the job. the traveling sanctuary where To get our best, we must ancient Israelites worshiped put in our best. And, even if God as we traveled from others might not realize it if Egyptian slavery to freedom we aren’t giving our all, we in Israel. A full accounting still do. And we know that the details how the precious met- final results are better because als and other donated materi- we’ve put in our best. als were used. And so, just as we will

These gifts were given by say as we raise the Torah the Israelites to Moses who this Shabbat and read these then gave them to the art- final chapters in the Book ists in order to begin their of Exodus: “Chazak, Chazak, work. And then, something V’Nitchazek” — Be strong, be unique happened, some- strong, and by putting our thing almost unheard of best efforts in, may we reach in fundraising. The artists our goals and strengthen one tell Moses that they have another. more than enough materials and Moses declares that Rabbi Daniel A. Schwartz is a no more gifts should be rabbi at Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield.

PHOTO CREDIT JERRY ZOLYNSKY

SEEKING TERRIFIC TEENS!

The JN and the Jewish Community Center’s JFamily will once again shine the public spotlight on teens in our community with Rising Stars: Teens Making a Di erence. 18 remarkable Jewish teens in the Metro Detroit area will be selected and featured in the April 29, 2021, issue of the Jewish News and recognized on the JN and JCC’s JFamily social media pages.

Nominees must live in Michigan, identify as Jewish and be students in grades 9-12; they can be selfnominated or may be nominated by others today through March 17.

Nominees should be recognized for impact, contribution and/or achievement in areas including (but not limited) to:

• Tikkun olam, volunteerism, social action, advocacy, philanthropy • Academics/education • Athletics • Music & arts • Business & entrepreneurship • Overcoming obstacles and challenges • Jewish growth and learning • Leadership

To nominate yourself or a teen you know, go to thejewishnews.com and click on the Rising Stars button or to jfamily.jccdet.org/risingstars. The deadline is March 17.