Terumah 2021

1Parshas Terumah and the remaining Parshiyot in the book of Shmot deal primarily with the building and installation of the Tabernacle, the associated holy vessels and the priestly garments. Included is the Alter of Elevation (Mizbeach Haolah) which is sometimes referred to as the Copper Alter (Mizbeach Hanechoshes). (see Chapter 27 verse 1-8). As opposed to the golden alter (see Chapter 30 verse 1-10) the Copper alter was designed and used for animal and grain sacrifices. This alter was fabricated from a wood frame, then covered with copper and then filled with dirt. This alter was also referred to as the “Alter of earth”. (Mizbeach Adamah). The dirt was emptied each time the Tabernacle traveled through the desert and refilled at each rest stop.

2Certain rules governing this Alter have already been covered at the end of Parshas Yisro. (Chapter 20 Verses 22-23) There we were instructed how to build an alter and how to act when using it. We were told that if we were to build it out of stone it is to be built without the use of metal tools. We were also instructed how to physically approach the Alter. When we are inspired to approach the alter we must do so with modesty, humility, and without haste. The Ibn Ezra explains that these instructions were meant for the Alter used by Moshe at Sinai. (Chapter 23 Verse 4) This original alter was constructed by Moshe himself not Betzalel. It was built well before the Tabernacle itself and may have been constructed without any specific instructions as to dimension and material.

3Animal sacrifices on alters preceded the Tabernacle on numerous occasions in the Torah. Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob each built an alter to offer sacrifices to the Almighty G-d. The Passover lamb was without a formal alter. In that case the home served as the family alter. The physical house became the alter substitute with the blood sprinkled on the door posts. In all future animal sacrifices the blood would be sprinkled on the corners of the alter. What we see from these examples is that Mizbeach and its associated animal sacrifice was and is independent of the formal Tabernacle or Holy Temple This independence is further manifested in the practice of “Bamot” These were the personal alters which were permitted in the land of Israel for a time prior to the establishment of a permanent Holy Temple.

4The Rambam and Sforno both regarded the alter and the associated practice of animal sacrifice as the needed response to the local idolatrous practices. There the urge towards service and sacrifice could be directed to G-d in His Place. Any person could offer his or her sacrifice with all that entailed. The exterior alter fulfilled that need. With the destruction of the temple the three daily prayers replaces the service on the Copper Alter. The Temple, being the place of divine eminence was the natural place for offering service to G-d at His place. Now we direct our prayers to the Place where the Shechinah remains there but hidden. The yearning for rebuilding the temple that is so prominent in Judaism is for a return of G-d’s presence to the Place so our prayers can be directed towards his divine Eminence in His Place. As we were instructed in the use of the Alter we must approach our prayer service in a similar fashion. We must do so with modesty, humility and without haste. May it be His will to return to His Place speedily and in our day.

5Dedicated to the memory of Joel Shulman A’H