Vayikra
Reflection by Rabbi Ariel Hendelman, Or HaLev Teacher
How can time and space become holy?
"In the weeks leading up to this Torah portion, we've been given meticulous details about the construction of the Mishkan: the sanctuary space where the indwelling presence of the Divine will be made manifest, where we will be in relationship with the Infinite One. In this week's Parsha, the Infinite One calls to Moshe from the Tent of Meeting, and Moshe is then given more meticulous details about the ritual rites of the Kohanim (priests), specifically all of the different sacrificial offerings for every possible occasion.
I want to draw a line here between (1) these offerings for every occasion, (2) the sanctuary of the Mishkan, and (3) our meditation practice.
The sacrificial offerings show us that time can be made holy, can be sanctified.
The Mishkan shows us that space can be sanctified.
And our meditation practice marries the two.
We show up with devotion and humility and with presence itself. We are witness to time and space becoming holy together, because we are in relationship with being. We are in relationship with our truest nature, and we are in relationship with the One who made and sustains us.
Shabbat Shalom"