The Bible's charge to take a stand

Every religious heritage has its master story that reveals a perception of what God stands for and how humanity should reflect the Dvine Image through daily actions.

For Christians, it is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Muslims cite the Hegira, Muhammad’s holy pilgrimage from Mecca to Medina. For Jews, the master story is in the book of Exodus: we left Egypt, crossed the Red Sea, then gathered at Mt. Sinai where we received the ultimate liberation, the Torah.

The book of Exodus might understandably end on the spiritual high of Sinai; yet the story continues with the process of building a Sanctuary – the “Mishkan” – so that God’s Presence may dwell among the people. The text presents extremely detailed instructions that everyone is tempted to skim, or even skip, until the story continues with something a bit more inspiring. 

Not so fast, say the first and second-century Rabbis of the Talmud. Look past the literal presentation of words. Do not ask from where the former slaves secured the materials used in constructing the sanctuary: precious stones, fine material (dolphin skins?), gold and silver, and acacia wood. Instead, the Talmudic Sages ask us to look at the details that truly offer insights and lessons for life. 

The Sages offer a fascinating commentary on one seemingly mundane verse: “You shall make standing the planks of acacia wood for the Mishkan.” The Sages ask, “Why add the word standing?” It is an extra word! Why not just say “make the planks of acacia wood?"

In the typical style of answering their own question, they respond that standing applies to the builders, not the building. When constructing a place or space for the Divine Presence, make it while living a standing – an upright – life. The Sages teach the life lesson that the Sh’khina, the Divine Presence, resides with us and within us when we are standing tall, when we reflect the Divine Image, the 13 attributes of Godly behavior that God revealed to Moses: compassion, kindness, patience, withholding anger, gracious forgiveness, honesty, extending dignity.

To feel the Divine Presence, we must build a better world by taking a stand for God’s Presence on earth by the way we act, by standing up for the rights and dignity of others, and by standing tall together. We are to be human and humane, respecting each other as we liberate the world from the evils of war and hate, pollution and illness, pettiness and putting others down.

The message of the ancient Jewish Sages is straightforward: regardless of your own master story, bring holiness to earth, not by what you believe, but rather how you behave.

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