Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

Parsha Review Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe

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Why God Wants to Dwell IN Us (Parsha Pearls: Terumah) 5786

/ 38:00/S8 E19
In this Parshas Terumah review, Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe focuses on the practical meaning of the Tabernacle (Mishkan) command: “Make Me a sanctuary and I will dwell in them” (Exodus 25:8)—not “in it,” but “in them” (the people). God doesn’t need a house; the Mishkan is for building intimate closeness between Hashem and the Jewish people. The Temple (and today synagogues/study halls) is a place of relationship, security, and nurturing divine connection—not a distant monument.
Key lessons & practical applications:
  • The Mishkan’s purpose — God wants to reside within us (V’shachanti b’tocham). The Holy of Holies had two cherubim facing each other (God & Israel); when Jews follow Torah, they face; when not, they turn away. The home/temple is for private, intimate time with God.
  • Gratitude for seeing descendants — Sarah, Rivka, and Rachel never saw grandchildren; Leah likely saw Asenat. Today’s privilege of seeing grandchildren/great-grandchildren is enormous—grandparents must influence positively without interfering (e.g., no naming veto; parents alone decide).
  • Naming & prophecy — Parents receive prophetic guidance at birth/bris (alleged Midrash). Adding a second name (e.g., after deceased relative) is common. Spontaneous additions (like Rabbi’s son Yehuda-Noach at bris) reflect divine inspiration.
  • Jealousy vs. knowledge of Hashem — First commandment (“Anochi Hashem…”) and last (“Lo tachmod”) connect: coveting denies Hashem’s perfect plan for you. Compare only to your own potential.
  • Modern miracles & awe — Technology (smartphones, Neuralink) reveals Hashem’s wonders—don’t let them become routine. Israeli survival despite missiles is ongoing splitting of the sea.
The rabbi urges bold Jewish pride (yarmulke/tzitzit/tefillin in public), relentless self-improvement, and living with awe: see daily yesh me’ayin (creation from nothing) and thank Hashem constantly.
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This episode of the Parsha Review Podcast is dedicated in honor of Lenny & Teresa Friedman
Recorded at TORCH Meyerland in the Levin Family Studios (B) to a live audience on February 20, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on February 22, 2026
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Subscribe: 
Share your questions at awolbe@torchweb.org or visit torchweb.org for more Torah content.  
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About the Host:
Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe, Director of TORCH in Houston, brings decades of Torah scholarship to guide listeners in applying Jewish wisdom to daily life.  To directly send your questions, comments, and feedback: awolbe@torchweb.org
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Subscribe and Listen to other podcasts by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe: 
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Keywords:
#Torah, #Parsha, #Exodus, #Shemos, #Terumah, #Mishkan, #Dwell, #JewishPride, #HashemWithin
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Why God Wants to Dwell IN Us (Parsha Pearls: Terumah) 5786

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