Creating Holy Space
There’s something quietly radical about Exodus 29:45:
“I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel, and I will be their God.”
I love this verse because it reminds me that God is not in some distant place but is with us wherever we are—all we need to do is look! God doesn’t say, “Build Me a perfect sanctuary.” God says, “I will dwell among you.” God is not just somewhere out there—God is within us, around us, flowing through us.
Not just in holy space.
Holy space as a way of being.
If you’d like a copy of Holy Space, Holy Time, it is available in the shop.
In Parashat Tetzaveh, the Mishkan becomes more than a structure. It becomes an ongoing invitation: Bring your presence. Bring your care. Bring your offerings. Bring your imperfect, human hands— and let holiness be revealed through the work of those hands.
Parashat Tetzaveh begins:
“You shall command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, to kindle the lamp continually.”
(Exodus 27:20)
The Ner Tamid (Eternal Light), found above the Aron Kodesh (Ark) in synagogues, can be traced back to this verse. More than just a ritual commandment, the Ner Tamid serves as a powerful symbol of God’s constant presence and the enduring faith of the Jewish people.
In the Mishkan (Tabernacle), this sacred flame was never to be extinguished. It represented the Shechinah—the Divine Presence—and served as a reminder that even in moments of darkness, God’s light is always near. The Ner Tamid also teaches us about spiritual resilience. Just as the Kohanim ensured the flame kept burning through the night, we, too, must find ways to sustain our own inner light.
Here’s the prayer I wrote that was inspired by Parashat Tetzaveh:
Invitation to Dwell
May we invite You to dwell in our midst—
and allow You to manifest
through the work of our hands,
the love in our hearts,
and our connection to one another.
May intentional spiritual practice open us.
May heartfelt prayer steady us.
May acts of lovingkindness soften us.
May all of it strengthen our connection to You—
and to the Divine Spark
implanted within each of us.
A Purim note: In Times Like These
Purim— this holiday of masks and courage— is almost here. I’m honored to be part of Bayit: Building Jewish’s Liturgical Arts Working Group, and I’m grateful to share our newest Purim collaboration. I invite you to peruse, use, and share the pieces that touch you:
In Times Like These (Purim 2026) is a collection of Purim-themed art and liturgy by Trisha Arlin, R. Rachel Barenblat, Mike Cockrill, sherrill cropper, R. Hannah Dresner, R. Sonja Keren Pilz, Steve Silbert, R. David Zaslow, and me. The image above, and the one below, are two of my contributions to this collection.
Reflection
Purim teaches that not everything holy arrives with a spotlight.
Sometimes the sacred comes disguised as ordinary timing.
A nudge. A decision. A moment when you choose to show up anyway.
A small act that turns out to matter more than you knew.
And that’s why I love holding Purim close to “I will dwell among them.”
Because dwelling doesn’t always look dramatic.
Sometimes it looks like:
- reaching out when you’d rather retreat,
- offering help without needing credit,
- making space for someone else’s truth,
- creating beauty or comfort with what you have.
This week, if you’re carrying anything heavy—if you’re feeling stretched, worried, or worn down— Remember—the gift of Divine Light lives within you. Go ahead and shine!
Guided journaling questions
- How do you connect with the Divine Light that lives inside you?
- What mask have you’ve been wearing lately—and what prevents you from taking it off?
- In challenging times, how do you ensure that your spiritual light stays alive?
- What is one small act you can do this week that makes more room for love, connection, or holiness?
- How can you use your innate gifts to inspire, uplift, or illuminate the path for others?
Closing blessing
May you feel God’s Holy Presence
within you, around you, flowing through you.
May you connect with the Divine Light that dwells within you—
and may that connection strengthen your heart,
steady your spirit,
and shine through all you say and do.