Terumah Audio Classes

A five minute weekly Torah insight based on the wellsprings of Torah and Chassidut.

G-d commands the Jewish people in this week's Torah portion to build Him a sanctuary. It starts out as the Mishkan and develops into the first and second and soon to be third Temple in Jerusalem. Why is it that from all the commandments, this one has such an evolution and change from the original commandment?

If you think about your day, does it seem like it is primarily materialistic and mundane? Truthfully though we have the mandate to transform every aspect of our daily lives into something spiritual and G-dly. This is what the Temple is really all about. The spiritual dynamics of the Temple are also present within our own hearts. In our core lies the potential to build a Tabernacle for G-d, where His presence is manifest in every aspect of our lives.

Experience the gems of the Parshah with the classic commentaries, and a kabbalistic twist.

A five minute weekly Torah thought based on the teachings of Chassidut.

The strange tension between structure and desire no one talks about.

The divine instruction to construct the Tabernacle is a blueprint for spiritualizing the material world.

The mishkan – the holy sanctuary – contained various sacred articles, but chief amongst them is the Holy Ark containing the two tablets. Join us as we probe the depth of this holy vessel.

An overview of the weekly Parsha, through the eyes of the many commentators, enriching your understanding of how our great history unfolded.

An in depth look at the weekly Parsha based on the talks of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

An in depth presentation of Chassidic teachings on the weekly Parshah.

An advanced presentation of Chassidic teachings on the Parshah.

A very short message on the parshah.

Get a detailed overview of the weekly Torah portion sewn together with keen insights and timely life messages.

Every synagogue is known as a “miniature sanctuary” (mikdash me’at). How does one show respect for a shul?

Who Feels at Home in My House? Look into your life and discover the Parsha within.

The Tabernacle was to be built by every man, woman and child. Even a Jew who may appear to be a sinner is still obligated and capable of building a dwelling for G‑d.

The Sanctuary that Moses built in the wilderness was constructed of a kind of pillar called a "keresh" (kuf, shin, reish.) These are the same letters as the world for falsehood "sheker" (shin, kuf, reish) and the word for connection "kesher" (kuf, shin, reish.) The purpose of the Sanctuary that each of us builds in our hearts is to take the falsehood of this world and change it into a pillar and a connection to G-d.

What did the Ark in the Holy of Holies look like? The commentaries on the Torah discuss the design of the Ark and its unusual lid upon which were two golden Cherubs.

Study some of the highlights of the weekly Torah portion with insights from various commentaries.

In Exodus 25:31 G-d instructs Moses to construct, among the various vessels of the Temple, a Menorah of gold fashioned with intricate design work of cups, flowers and buttons. But Moses finds this too difficult….

Following revelation at Sinai, the Jewish people were instructed to contribute and construct the Divine Sanctuary. What does it mean to make a home for G-d?

The primary material necessary for building the Divine Sanctuary was cedar wood. Now, since the Jews were journeying in a hostile desert, how could they possibly procure the required cedar wood, and in formidable quantity?! This class will solve the mystery, and in so doing will offer an inspirational message for our times. (Likutei Sichos vol. 31 Terumah 2)

This class is all about the Holy Ark, which contained the “Ten Commandments”, and the Cherubim that were placed on top of it. Discover some incredible details about this most sacred Jewish artifact–including what its true function was (and is!), as well as where we believe it is presently hidden.

The menorah is possibly the most popular Jewish symbol, yet there’s much confusion as to how it really looked.

Little is known about the Shulchan (the Gold Table), which stood opposite the menorah in the Holy Temple. This class explores the function, significance, and symbolism of the Table and the Show-Bread.

The eternal divine commandment to build a holy “House for G-d” was initially fulfilled with the mobile Mishkan of Moses—though the ultimate perfection of this mitzvah was only reached by the historic Jerusalem Temples atop Mt. Mariah. Yet, surprisingly the temporary desert structure remains our supreme source. Discover the amazing little secret to the staying power of that humble desert sanctuary, which eclipses the more impressive later structures and teaches us all an important lesson.

The parsha of Terumah contains 96 verses and the mnemonic are the words Ya’av (shovel) and Solu. Explore the coded message in the mnemonic and its connection to the general themes of the Parshah.

The uppermost covering of the Divine Sanctuary, the Mishkan, was the hide of a creature the Torah identifies as the 'Tachash'. The Sages disagree as to what type of creature it was, but all agree that it existed only then and that its hide was multicolored. This class will address Rashi's commentary on the subject and reveal the profound spiritual message contained therein. (Likutei Sichos vol. 31)

After being found everywhere, but dwelling nowhere specific for 2249 years, G-d has informed the Jewish people that he now intends to dwell amongst them. He'd like them to craft a mobile home so that he can move along with them through the Sinai desert. He conveys exact instructions, and even tells them precisely what materials to use –including some “heavy metals” like gold, silver and copper. Tellingly, iron is absent. Why might that be, and if avoiding cheaper utilitarian substances, why not just “go with the gold” – maintaining only highest of standards?!

Parshat Terumah’s “Mishkan Metals” presented gold, silver and copper standards of dedication; yet utilitarian iron was cast aside. The continued development of this thesis now begins with a missed Midrash that’s richly illuminated. Then on to Babylon; one young prophet is inspired to craft a diorama, while another tasked with interpreting an Emperor's nightmares – both of which foreshadow the balance of world history. Fascinating commentary, resonating with relevancy, is climaxed by latter-day mystical teachings providing extraordinary clarity and a happy ending!

The Rebbe shows us how Rashi’s description of the curtain hangings that formed the courtyard of the Mishkan (Sanctuary) also teaches us about a Jew’s mission to bring holiness to the world.

Among the materials used to build the Tabernacle in the desert is a strange item called “Tachash”. Rashi explores what it is, and teaches us a profound lesson in the power of the “small things” in life.

Is it better to be truthful or is it better to make others feel good at the expense of being honest? Explore the two perspectives of Hillel and Shammai. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 16 Terumah)

At times we may feel that a life of Torah and Mitzvahs is difficult and too much to carry. But the truth is that it is not us who are carrying the Torah, rather the Torah is carrying us! This idea is seen in how the Levites carries the heavy Holy Ark. This week's story is about a young man who lost it all, but was courageous enough to trust that through committing himself to Torah he will be cared for and supported.

G-d tells Moses to instruct the people to take for Me an offering i.e. contributions towards building the Mishkan. Explore Rashi’s terse commentary on the words “take for me”, through the lens of the classic commentaries and variations in the manuscripts.