Taking it With You-Terumah-My Portion

The 29th of Shevat is the Yahrtzeit of Rav Reuven (ben Yaakov Chaim) Horowitz of Zamotzva (1827). A talmid of Rav Yonasan Eibeschitz, he was drawn to chassidus with his brother, Rav Meir of Sheps, in the yeshiva of their relative, Rav Shmelke of Nikolsburg and later Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk. Rav Reuven was appointed Rav in Guaten, Germany. Although the exact year of his petira is not known, it was certainly after 1827. He was buried in Zarnovtza. His divrei torah were published posthumously in 1859 in a sefer called Duda’im Basadeh.

Why does the verse say, “And take for Me a portion,” rather than, “give to Me?” Why does the verse begin by speak of, “A Portion,” and then, “My portion?” The answer is based on the verse, “Make for Me a Sanctuary, and I will dwell among them,” which is understood that God will dwell in heart of each person.

Each of us has a choice whether to connect ourselves with holiness, or, God forbid, the Other Side of impurity. When we use God’s gifts for holiness, we connect to His Presence. The gifts we have received become our connection to Him; “My portion,” and He dwells inside our hearts.

“A portion,” reflects someone who believes that he is giving to God, and lacks the Divine Presence in his heart, which has become the dwelling place of impurity. (Dudaim Basadeh-Terumah)

“Blessed is He, our Lord, Who created us for His glory, separated us from those who stray, gave us the Torah of truth and implanted eternal life within us.” Those who use God’s gifts to connect with Him, reflect His glory, and are separated from those who stray.