This week's portion focuses on the artistry of the Tabernacle, where the Ark of the Lord was to be kept, and which would be the central focus of prayer. The work of the chief artisan, Bezalel -- for whom a famous art academy in Jerusalem is named -- is described in detail, as is the final dedication of the Tabernacle, the culmination of several chapters of detailed descriptions.
The additional reading, from the Book of Kings, relates the parallel story of the dedication of the Holy Temple by King Solomon. The Tabernacle was temporary; the Temple was the permanent dwelling for the Lord among the people. These were two major peaks of Jewish history. And yet the story continued. the Bible does not end on these happy notes, as it could have done.
We know what happens, eventually: the Temple is destroyed and the people are gathered. And though they return, and the Second Temple is built, that, too, is destroyed, and the people are exiled once again. Today, we live in an era where Jews have a State of Israel, a spiritual homeland that some see as the sign of further fulfillment to come. We can't know; but we can help it thrive.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
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Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
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