Terumah: Give a Little Bit

Parashat Terumah begins the preparations for the construction of the Mishkan (tabernacle), the portable sanctuary that will accompany the Israelites as they make their way through the wilderness.  This is simultaneously a work of engineering and a work of art, and it is no easy undertaking.  In fact, it is "all hands on deck" as every Israelite is asked to contribute "as his [or her] heart so moves him [or her]."

At once, a sort of "donation fever" seems to grip the community, and soon after making the call for contributions, Moses has to put a stop to the gifts.  The people have been so generous that the artisans and engineers now have more than enough supplies on hand with which to construct the Mishkan.

We read that when the Israelites finally prepared to leave Egypt, their Egyptian neighbors offered them many gifts.  Whether these contributions truly were made freely, with an open heart, or whether the attitude of the Egyptians was "Just take what you want and leave us alone," we are led to understand that this is where the Israelites acquired any items of value they had in their possession.  Surely, for a people that is now nomadic, blessed by God to have their material needs accounted for, but uncertain as to when they will again have a permanent address, owning such items provided some sense of security: at least they had some wealth.  At least they weren't fully destitute!

Yet despite the fact that their possessions were meager, the Israelites showed tremendous willingness to relinquish some (if not all, in some cases) of these prized possessions to contribute toward a cause in which they firmly believe (compare and contrast this action to the collection of gold and valuables taken a few chapters later for the construction of the Golden Calf).  They appreciate that their gifts toward this project will benefit the broader community, while hoarding these items for themselves will serve only them.

Certainly, there are differences between our circumstances and those enjoyed by the Israelites.  We would not ask any individual or family to give up every item of value for a community project.  But we can contribute to our community (whether through time, money, or other resources) in the same spirit of open-mindedness that our ancestors embraced.  One need only "give a little bit," so long as one does so in a spirit of love and generosity.

Please note, I do not own-- nor do I claim to own-- these songs.  Copyrights are held by the various artists.  I include them here for illustrative purposes.
Give a Little Bit- (Terumah, Exodus 25:1-27:19)

Music and lyrics by Rick Davies and Roger Hidgson, performed by Supertramp. From "Even in the Quietest Moments..." A&M Records, 1977.

Mishpatim: He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother

If it can be said that Parashat Yitro establishes the legal underpinnings for Israelite society (by laying out the framework that is now colloquially known as the Ten Commandments), Parashat Mishpatim expands upon this by spelling out more explicitly the societal expectations and norms that will distinguish the Israelites from their neighbors.

The rabbis describe at least two types of rules that are given in the Torah.  Chukim are those where no explanation or reward is evident; we are expected to follow chukim "because God said so."  Mishpatim, on the other hand, which make up the bulk of this week's portion, are said to have a reason that is readily evident, and/or they have a reward attached to them (e.g., "do this so that you may enjoy long life..."

Though the rules imposed upon the Israelites were undoubtedly a bit strange to them at first-- given that they were emerging from slavery, where they lived under an entirely different set of rules and norms-- we, who are able to read the text through a 21st-century lens, can appreciate how these rules came to build community cohesiveness and set the Israelites on the path toward a a just and fair society.  Laws of slavery, laws of property, laws of damages are all put forth.  Each of these in their own way take the first steps toward affirming that being part of a community carries responsibility towards one's neighbors.  At the same time, the Torah puts forth these laws matter-of-factly, as if to say that these expectations are not meant to be burdensome.  Care for one's fellow human being should not be seen as an onerous task.

"If I'm laden at all/
I'm laden with sadness/
That everyone's heart/
Isn't filled with the gladness of love/
For one another."

Please note, I do not own-- nor do I claim to own-- these songs.  Copyrights are held by the various artists.  I include them here for illustrative purposes.
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother- (Mishpatim, Exodus 21:1-24:18)

Music and lyrics by Bob Russell and Bobby Scott, performed by The Hollies. Released as a single on Parlophone/Epic Records, 1968.

Yitro: Lean on Me

Parashat Yitro is probably most famous because it contains the Ten Commandments, which have served for generations as central tenets of Western religious thought and practice.  Yet this portion contains other key moments in the evolution of Israelite society.  Fresh off the Exodus, newly discovering what freedom will mean to them and striving to to form a cohesive community out of a ragtag assembly of disparate tribes, there seems to be a steep learning curve.

Our portion's namesake, Moses' father-in-law Yitro, recognizes almost immediately that the people have embraced Moses' leadership.  Yet they have done so almost to a fault, depending upon him to adjudicate even the most minor disputes and to spell out for them in explicit detail what the societal norms should be.  While it is understandable that they require guidance, given that all had spent their lives up to that point as slaves, Yitro correctly assesses that Moses is in an untenable position.  Yitro warns Moses, "you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well.  For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone."

With God's blessing, Moses agrees to appoint magistrates that can handle the less pressing legal matters, allowing Moses to focus more intently on the larger tasks of leadership.  He can be much more effective in that role now that he has found someone to lean on.

Please note, I do not own-- nor do I claim to own-- these songs.  Copyrights are held by the various artists.  I include them here for illustrative purposes.
Lean On Me- (Yitro, Exodus 18:1-20:23)

Music and lyrics by Bill Withers, performed by Bill Withers. From the album Still Bill, Sussex Records, 1972.

Beshallach: It's the Same Old Song

In Parashat Beshallach, freedom is at last on the horizon.  After ten plagues and horrific destruction within Egypt, Pharaoh has relented and granted the Israelites permission to leave.  Of course we, as omniscient readers, know what awaits: just as the Israelite camp is beginning to feel confident about their exit from this place of oppression, Pharaoh has a change of heart and sends his army and charioteers to pursue his newly released slaves and bring them back.

Yet after this harrowing chase, the Israelites emerge victorious on the opposite shore of the Sea of Reeds, their pursuers having drowned in the sea.  The people are so grateful to have emerged from the water safely that they sing a song of rejoicing, the so-called Song of the Sea that is at the heart of this week's portion.

The text begins with the phrase "Az yashir Moshe u'v'nei Yisrael," often translated as "Then Moses and the people of Israel sang..."  But the verb form yashir can also indicate future tense, leading some classic commentators to opine that not only did the community sing then, rejoicing at this personal moment of redemption, but our people will once again sing at a future moment of redemption, when all peoples of the world know true freedom.

We are taught, "B'chol dor va-dor chayav adam lir'ot et atzmo k'ilu hu yatza miMitzrayim.-- in every generation, we must view ourselves as though we personally went free from Egypt."  I take that to mean (and I'm hardly the first or only to bring this interpretation) that in each age we must maintain gratitude for our freedom and not take it for granted.  Further, we must fight for justice and freedom everywhere, so that all may enjoy the blessings of liberty.  As we continually revisit this Song of the Sea through our liturgy and our scriptural readings, let us fully embrace and embody the universality of its message.

Otherwise, it's just the "same old song."

Please note, I do not own-- nor do I claim to own-- these songs.  Copyrights are held by the various artists.  I include them here for illustrative purposes.
It's the Same Old Song- (Beshallach, Exodus 13:17-17:16)

Music and lyrics by Brian Holland, Lamont Dozier, and Eddie Holland, performed by The Four Tops. From "Four Tops' Second Album", Motown, 1965.