From the desk of Rabbi Marcelo Bater  March 12/13, 2010   27 Adar 5770

The Mishkan has been the main topic of the Torah portions of the last several weeks.  

The Mishkan was the tabernacle where G-d resided and where only the priests - the Kohanim - could enter, provided they wore special clothing.

Now, it's logical to think that the Torah, in finishing its description of the Mishkan, would focus next on the human beings who served there. But, in fact, the Torah zeroes in on special clothing requirements rather than stating a requirement for us to put more importance on what's in our hearts!

So, the question for this Shabbat could be "Why all this focus on externals?"

In the case of the Kohanim, the Torah emphasized the importance of "externals" since these individuals were the ones that offered the sacrifices (the Korbanot).  In their day, the priests wore expensive clothing in contrast to the general dress simplicity of the common people. They also wore elaborate jewelry when no one else did.  

But there are no longer Kohanim as in Biblical times and there is no longer a Temple in Jerusalem.  Instead, we, today, have synagogues, Shabbatot, and festivals that offer us the possibilities of establishing relationships with our congregations and with our G-d! 

In today's environment, clothing is more than simply a way of covering our bodies - it's a message to the world about our values, priorities, and relationships.  Based on this, our tradition teaches us that on Shabbat we are supposed to wear our best clothing because we are going to be in contact with G-d in prayer (Tefillah) and in intention (Kavanah).  Obviously, to establish such a relationship with G-d is not an easy thing!

But only by making ourselves available to each other and to G-d, and by sharing our joys and our sorrows through learning and praying together, can we realize our fullest potential as human beings!

Tefillah (prayer) and Kavanah (intention) - this is a good formula!