There are times in the Jewish calendar when multiple strands of holiness weave together, creating a moment that is richer, more complex, and filled with opportunities for meaning. This Shabbat is one of those moments. As we welcome Shabbat Shekalim, Rosh Chodesh Adar, and our weekly parashah, Terumah, we encounter not just one sacred occasion, but an intersection of themes that call us to reflect on giving, renewal, and the power of shared responsibility.
“Make for Me a Sanctuary, and I Shall Dwell Among Them”
One of the most well-known verses in this week’s parashah is שָׁכַנְתִּי בְּתוֹכָם וְעָשׂוּ לִי מִקְדָּשׁ — “They shall make for Me a sanctuary, and I shall dwell among them” (Exodus 25:8). This verse has sparked deep rabbinic reflection. The Torah does not say, “I shall dwell in it”, referring to the Mishkan, but “I shall dwell among them”— among the people. The Ramban (Nachmanides) teaches that this implies that the Divine Presence is not confined to a physical space, but is found within the hearts and actions of the Jewish people. The Mishkan was a structure, but its holiness emerged from the contributions, commitment, and spirit of those who built and maintained it.
This idea is profoundly relevant to OJCS and our school community. We are not just constructing a school, an educational institution, or even a building — we are building a sacred space of learning, connection, and Jewish identity. Our communal engagement, from the classroom to family involvement, mirrors the same principle: when we come together in meaningful ways, God’s presence dwells among us.
Shabbat Shekalim: A Lesson in Collective Giving
If Parashat Terumah teaches us about the beauty of voluntary giving, Shabbat Shekalim reminds us that some forms of giving are communal obligations. Our special Torah reading describes the mitzvah of the half-shekel: זֶה יִתְּנוּ כָּל־הָעֹבֵר עַל־הַפְּקֻדִים מַחֲצִית הַשֶּׁקֶל “This they shall give — everyone who passes among those who are counted — a half-shekel” (Exodus 30:13).
Unlike the freewill offerings for the Mishkan, this contribution was required of every Jew, rich or poor, to support the communal sacrifices and national institutions. It symbolized that every individual, regardless of means, has an equal stake in the collective future of the Jewish people.
At OJCS, we see this balance every day. Families give in many ways —through tuition, through volunteering, through philanthropy. Some contributions are required, others are from the heart, but all are essential. The lessons of Shekalim and Terumah teach us that a Jewish community thrives when we embrace both structured commitment and inspired generosity.
Rosh Chodesh Adar: The Joy of Renewal and Participation
With Rosh Chodesh Adar arriving, we also enter a season of joy. מִשֶּׁנִּכְנַס אֲדָר מַרְבִּין בְּשִׂמְחָה — “When Adar arrives, our joy increases.” This new month brings with it the anticipation of Purim, of celebration, of ruach-filled assemblies, of costumes and creative learning experiences. At OJCS, this means Ruach Week, Purim festivities, and an outpouring of energy that engages our students, teachers, and families alike.
But joy in a Jewish community is not just about celebrating — it’s about showing up. If the Mishkan was only holy when people gave their gifts, and the half-shekel only worked when everyone contributed, then our school, too, is strengthened when we all participate. As we think about the different ways people contributed to the Mishkan and the Temple, we can also reflect on how we contribute to OJCS. This can mean helping organize Ruach Week, volunteering for Purim festivities, supporting our PTA, attending school events like Trivia Night, or giving back through philanthropy. However we choose to engage, the message of Shabbat Shekalim and Parashat Terumah is clear: When we all give in our own ways, we build something greater than ourselves.
Looking Ahead: The Power of Shared Commitment
As we enter Adar and look ahead to Ruach Week and Purim, let’s embrace the different kinds of giving, learning, and joy that shape our school community. Let’s celebrate the voluntary gifts we bring from the heart, like the generosity that makes OJCS the special place that it is. Let’s honour our obligations, recognizing that strong Jewish communities require shared responsibility. And let’s cherish the fact that, together, we are building a sanctuary — not of wood and gold, but of learning, connection, and ruach.
May this season inspire us to give, to celebrate, and to continue building something beautiful — together.