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Parasha Terumah: The holy garments of the Mishkan

Concentration of effort or aggregation of resources.  It all comes down to what the overall effect of Consciousness is. When there exists that connection between the lower and the higher Consciousness what happens is a pathway of light that awakens the divine center and gives that experience of unity that is the single goal of all spirituality.

 
This pathway in turn leads to the inner sanctum called the temple of the Lord.  It is a place of special adornment with great attention to detail and an unwavering direction of purpose there within.  The first step in this adornment of purpose is by the free will offerings that go into making up this outer layer of the temple and then working in towards its inner sanctuary.
 
Shemos 25:2. "Speak to the children of Israel, and have them take for Me an offering; from every person whose heart inspires him to generosity, you shall take My offering.
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The only way to make that divine connection is by letting within the to idea of abundance that is the dominant quality in the perception of holiness.  What we let go of is the notion that there could ever be in lack in a universe that is by definition always a part of the ongoing Creation.  
 
Everything then is available to everyone at all times depending upon the generosity of spirit that moves a person to conceive not only of such a generous universe but who also can put away the lingering doubts of lack in that same universe. 
 
It becomes a matter of degree as to what we can accept and then expect to experience.  Every detail of the Mishkan (the tabernacle) is planned out precisely.  The very fact of having read this portion has the effect of reawakening that temple within.  The reading must be done however, with this intention in mind.  
 
As each fitting, covering, adornment and holy article are added to the Mishkan it accrues in holiness.  This happens in the very same way that Consciousness accrues with a sense of its own connection. We are then able to experience that connection in both subtle and overt ways. 
 
If we imagine that each minute detail of the Mishkan represents a way of thinking or even a single thought then we can begin to see how Consciousness works itself in the fabric of every part of our existence.  
 
The very first offering is to be gold, silver and copper.
 
Shemos 25:3. And this is the offering that you shall take from them: gold, silver, and copper;
 
These represent the choicest metals which are akin to our most lofty thoughts.   These thoughts already have the patina of holiness reflected on their surfaces.  Torah continues with  
 
Shemos 25:4. blue, purple, and crimson wool; linen and goat hair; 5. ram skins dyed red, tachash skins, and acacia wood;6. oil for lighting, spices for the anointing oil and for the incense;
 
All of these are for the outer coverings along with oil for the light, spices for the incense, shoham stones and filling stones for the ephod and for the choshen.
 
Shemos 25:8. And they shall make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in their midst.
 
All of these plans for Mishkan are for the purpose of creating these inner sanctuary a place of connection established forever.
 
Shemos 25:9. according to all that I show you, the pattern of the Mishkan and the pattern of all its vessels; and so shall you do.
 
In a very potent sense the Jewish people are being prepared to become a vessel for Hashem. Just as Moshe has demonstrated that he is a vessel for the most high so too is the heritage of the Jewish people to become this vessel for holiness.  It is both the fulfillment and promise that has become their destiny forever.  B"H.
 

, LA Kabbalah Examiner

Mark Siet has studied Kabbalah for more than twenty-five years. His writings are passionate, insightful, and uplifting. He has authored Thought Into Form, 360 Degrees of Good, and the forthcoming, The Enlightened Bahir. Email: mark@marksiet.com.

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