In the weekly Torah parsha, we are reading from the book of Bamidbar. Amidst the laws and ritual is the establishment of an ideal community, the ordering of a life based on complete respect of G-d and community. These laws result in very precise standards which successfully guided Jews for the next 3,500 years. Yet the word Bamidbar is translated as "in the wilderness" or "in the desert", depending on the source.
There's an obvious connection between a hostile environment and the need to impose order in society and give meaning to the cosmos. We may look back at this so-called primitive attempt to control and rationalize, and feel a sense of comfortable distance. But, no matter what the physical environment, can anyone always be comfortable with their spiritual path?
We all wander Bamidbar, although some of us are in a stage of acceptance, while some of us struggle with unanswerable questions. So, how do we focus ourselves and our family?
G-d gave a unique answer at Sinai. G-d told us to build a Temple to focus our religious observance and to follow certain laws for social harmony.
If we are considering religious Judaism, we can see the dual responsibility as Jews. We have an opportunity as Jews to elevate ourselves, from our mundane thoughts to our prayers. Whether it is a weekly or an annual ritual, gathering at the shul for learning and prayer is an important individual and family experience.
Our other responsibility is to preserve the future of traditional values and commitments. We can also see clearly from the last 2 years that without a building, we have no future. We must have a building to elevate ourselves, to educate ourselves and our children, to remember, learn from and pass on the wisdom of those who departed before us.
I urge you to think about the building we are trying to purchase. Although there are some funds from outside the community, we must first do everything to raise money in our community. The rabbis say that G-d will help us to move a huge boulder, but we must at least lift a finger to help push.
Bob Dylan once sang, "money doesn't talk, it swears." However, in this case you have the opportunity to make your money sing. Outside of caring for your family's economic needs, this could possibly be the most profound financial decision you will make in your life. The existence of a shul in Eugene that adheres to classical Jewish standards and teachings cannot be overstated for future generations of Jews in Oregon.
Please come and visit the building (located at 25 W. 25th_at the corner of 25th and Portland) on Shabbos morning. It is a special place, uniquely suited to the Minyan, its size, floor plan, location, even the light streaming through the high windows. To see this is to understand a vision of the future of Judaism in Eugene. But then, this shouldn't be too difficult for you to see. Once you turn your face in our direction, we're hard to ignore. You are turning your face from the wilderness of Oregon to the wisdom and teachings of countless previous generations.
In the next few weeks all members will be contacted to discuss a financial commitment to the building. Please take a few minutes to listen. It is one short phone call and hopefully, with your help, each of us will turn away from our own personal wilderness.