Parashat Terumah invites us into a moment of careful, intentional creation. Hashem asks the Israelites to bring offerings — gifts from the heart — to build the sanctuary (Mishkan), a sacred dwelling place (Mikdash). This is not only a story about generosity or craftsmanship. It is a lesson about boundaries, about creating a defined, protected space where holiness can safely reside.

The Mishkan is not built randomly: its measurements matter, its materials matter. Who enters, how, and when — all of this matters. The Torah seems to suggest that spirituality cannot thrive in chaos or constant exposure. Even the Divine needs a home with walls and protection.

Today, we no longer build a physical sanctuary, but the need it addressed has not disappeared. If anything, it has intensified. We live in a world of constant access, constant demands, and constant noise. Our attention is fragmented, our emotional reserves stretched thin, and our spiritual lives often left unguarded. Parashat Terumah asks us a quiet but radical question: Where is your sacred dwelling place, and how are you protecting it?

Spiritual health, like physical or emotional health, requires protection. Without boundaries, even the most meaningful practices can become depleted or distorted. Prayer can turn into obligation. Community can turn into burnout. The Mishkan reminds us that holiness is not sustained by endless openness, but by care.

In this moment of ongoing global uncertainty, collective trauma, and personal fatigue, the work of building an inner Mikdash feels especially urgent. We are called to be present for others, but not at the cost of losing ourselves.

This week, consider building your own Mikdash with intention. Ask yourself: How can I create moments of holiness in my daily life that are guarded, respected, and sustained?

Parashat Terumah teaches us that God does not dwell everywhere equally. God chooses to dwell where space has been lovingly prepared. May we learn to prepare that space within ourselves, so our spirituality can be safe and protected.