By Rabbi Aaron Goldstein

וַיַּקְהֵ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֶֽת־כָּל־עֲדַ֛ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל

Moses then assembled / convoked the whole Israelite community…(Ex 35:1).

On this verse, Joseph ben Isaac Bekhor Shor expounded:

So that no one would be able to complain, “We did not have a chance to contribute, because we were not told until those who knew had already contributed everything necessary.”

What an insightful comment! It is quite remarkable when someone who lived over 700 years ago comments on an aspect of human nature and we find that the observation remains astute and universally relevant and meaningful. As well as considering the Torah portion, Bekhor Shor passed comment that was influenced by his contemporary reality, that of Christian polemic and oppression (http://vbm-torah.org/archive/parshanut/11parshanut.htm).

In Bekhor Shor’s community, twelfth century Orleans, what opportunity was it that was being given to all the people? Was it to take one’s turn to stand on security duty or to lead the administration and business of the community – to sit on the Synagogue Council/Board or volunteer for the activity of the community? Was it to take part in external public affairs, perhaps standing up in disputations with Christian leaders who demanded an allegorical interpretation of the Torah? Was it to contribute to the building of sacred communal and personal spaces, providing glory to God and security for mere mortals?

All activities that remain vital to the operation of the Jewish Community today – of any constituent of it like our Synagogues. “So that no one would be able to complain, “We did not have a chance to contribute, because we were not told until those who knew had already contributed everything necessary.””

We are informed later in this sidrah (Ex 36:5-7):

(The artisans) said to Moses, “The people are bringing more than is needed for the tasks entailed in the work that the Eternal has commanded to be done.” Moses thereupon had this proclamation made throughout the camp: “Let no man or woman make further effort toward gifts for the sanctuary!” So the people stopped bringing: their efforts had been more than enough for all the tasks to be done.

These sidrot – sections of the Torah – concerned with the building of the Tabernacle contribute more than a third of those from the Book of Exodus. Exodus, that deals with such heady themes as emancipation from slavery, revelation of an eternal covenant with God and a code by which to conduct one’s social, civil and religious life. More than a third concerns a building project, with the finer detail that some who appreciate the aesthetic will revel in and others consider a trifle dull.

Perhaps we consume ourselves in the details of the building of the Tabernacle for so many weeks because it says as much about building community, than physical structures.

In the forthcoming weeks, we have ample opportunity to play our part in the community, without saying I did this before or I might in the future when I have time.

We have the opportunity to consider and contribute to the conversation about dissolving Liberal Judaism and the Movement for Reform Judaism, to become one Movement of Progressive Judaism. If this means nothing to you then ask your Rabbi or Community leader.

We also have the opportunity to support our Progressive Jewish siblings in the State of Israel and our values – whether we define them as Progressive, Reform or Liberal.

You have the opportunity along with all your friends and family to vote that directly impacts resources and funding for Israeli Reform synagogues, rabbis, values, and advocacy.

The World Zionist Congress election happens every 5 years. This year in the UK it is coming down to a real vote, where each of your congregants (and friends, and second cousins twice removed) will need to cast an electronic ballot.

Between 9 April – 12 May, is the registration period. You must register in this period to vote and then do so between 9-16 of June.

You can support Progressive Judaism in Israel, Pluralism, Democracy, Equity, Security, Justice, a path to Peace, with billions of dollars in the balance that can be distributed according to our values. The alternative is that your ambivalence will lead to right wing and ultra-orthodox groupings gleaning that money for Settlements and the like.

You have the opportunity now to affect change now in Judaism in the UK and the State of Israel. Ask your Rabbi or Community leader now for more information and to insist on communicating in your community.

I do not say this glibly, YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU NOW!

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