Terumah

​In this week's Parashah, we read about the Mishkan and the Beit Hamikdash. The Beit Hamikdash had three areas of distinct holiness: the Azarah (Courtyard), the Haichal (Sanctuary), and the Kodesh Hakodashim (Holy of Holies). Similarly, the Jewish calendar has three categories of time with varying levels of holiness: Shabbat, Yom Tov, and Rosh Chodesh. And the Torah's Mitzvot can also be divided into three categories: complete avoidance of inherently bad actions (like murder and idolatry); refraining from excessive indulgence in permissible actions (like eating and drinking); and the highest level, not required of most people, which is to perform all actions solely for the sake of heaven.

Sefer Shem Mishmuel explains that the three categories of holiness in the physical space of the Beit Hamikdash, the Jewish calendar, and the Torah's Mitzvot correspond to each other. 

The first category of Mitzvot, avoiding inherently wrong actions, corresponds to Rosh Chodesh, the first day of the Jewish month, on which all work is permitted but one should reflect on the previous month to identify any forbidden actions. It also corresponds to the Azarah (Courtyard) in the Beit Hamikdash, which everyone can enter except those who have become contaminated.

The second category of Mitzvot, avoiding excessive indulgence in permissible actions, corresponds to Yamim Tovim in the Jewish calendar, during which ordinary work is forbidden except for food preparation. It also corresponds to the Haichal (Sanctuary) in the Beit Hamikdash, which only Kohanim could enter to perform their service. Doing what needs to be done without overindulgence. 

The third category of Mitzvot, corresponds to Kodesh Hakodashim (Holy of Holies), which only the Kohen Gadol could enter on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year. This alludes to the idea that one's actions should be entirely for the sake of heaven. It also corresponds to the holiness of Shabbat, on which all work is forbidden and one should only study Torah and enjoy their connection with G-d.

Additionally, the Midrash states that the gold, silver, and copper mentioned in this week's Parashah correspond to the first three Jewish exiles (Babylon, Persia, and Greece). These three kingdoms opposed the three levels of holiness. Babylonians opposed the first level (avoiding inherently wrong actions) by forcing Jews to bow to idols. Persians opposed the second level (limiting consumption of permissible things) by tempting Jews with excessive indulgence in worldly desires (like Achashverosh’s feast serving even Kosher food). Greeks opposed the third level (doing everything for the sake of G-d) by attempting to sever the Jewish people's connection with G-d. 

Our Chachamim teach that the current exile, Galut Edom, combines all three previous exiles, testing Jews on all levels simultaneously. Through the building of our “Temporary Beit Hamikdash", which are our shulls and Yeshivot we are sure we can strive to overcome the daunting challenges of our time.