Amber and Rachel Lazarus - Dvar Torah

Amber:

Shabbat Shalom, everyone!

We are so happy to be standing here today, celebrating our Bat Mitzvah with all of you—our family, friends, and community. This is such a special moment in our lives, and we are incredibly grateful for all the love and support we have received.

This week’s Torah portion, Parashat Terumah, teaches us about the power of generosity and the importance of building something meaningful together. In this parashah, God commands the Israelites to build the Mishkan, a sacred space where God’s presence could dwell.

The word Mishkan comes from the Hebrew root “Sh-Kh-N”, which means “to dwell.” It wasn’t just a beautiful structure—it was a portable sanctuary where the Israelites could feel God’s presence, no matter where they traveled. It reminded them that holiness isn’t tied to a single place but is something that can move with us, carried in the way we treat others and the spaces we create.

Rachel:

The Torah gives very detailed instructions on how the Mishkan was to be built—every material, every measurement, and every design had a purpose. The gold, silver, and fine fabrics made it beautiful, and the wooden beams made it light enough to carry, so it could move with the people on their journey through the desert.

The Mishkan teaches us two important lessons. First, that something truly special is created when a community works together. Each person brought what they could—some gave gold, some gave wood, and some gave their time and skills—but every contribution mattered. The second lesson is that holiness is not tied to one place. The Mishkan was designed to travel, showing us that no matter where we go, we can always create a sacred space by bringing kindness, generosity, and love with us.

Amber:

For us, this idea of building a sacred space together is deeply personal. Our family has always believed in the magic of gardens. Our parents actually first met in a garden, and they even got married in a garden at home. When we were little, we spent every day in a beautiful park with Lulu, who has been like a second mother to us. Those times taught us that gardens can be more than just beautiful places—they can be sanctuaries where people feel safe, happy, and connected. Just like the Mishkan, gardens are built with love and care. And just like the Mishkan, they bring people together and can move and grow with us.

Rachel:

That’s why, for our Mitzvah Project, we wanted to do something that would reflect the spirit of Terumah—giving from the heart to build something meaningful. With the generous donations from our friends and family, we have been able to buy trees and plants for Founder Educare in Makaza, Khayelitsha. Our hope is to help create a special sanctuary for little kids, just like the one we were lucky to grow up with. A place where they can play, learn, and feel safe—surrounded by nature and beauty.

But we don’t want to stop there. We would also love to start a new trend—encouraging people in our community to use trees and plants as decorations for special occasions, instead of things that get thrown away afterward. Imagine if every Bat Mitzvah, wedding, or celebration left behind something green—a tree, a plant, a piece of nature that could grow and be enjoyed for years to come. That would be a true terumah, a lasting gift that benefits everyone.

Amber:

The Mishkan in the desert was a reminder that God’s presence is not found in gold or silver, but in the generosity and unity of people coming together to create something special. Today, as we become Bat Mitzvah, we want to take that lesson with us. We hope to continue building spaces of kindness, of beauty, and of giving—both in the physical world and in the way we treat others.

We are so grateful to our parents, who have taught us about love, family, and the importance of giving back. To Shulamit, who has always encouraged us to learn about our Jewish heritage and has given us so much wisdom and advice along the way—thank you for your guidance. And to Grandpa John, who fills our lives with endless “dad jokes” and, more importantly, has always taught us to be brave, take risks, and try new things—we love you and appreciate you so much.

Rachel:

May we always remember the lesson of Parashat Terumah—that when we give from the heart, we help create something truly sacred. And may we all continue to plant seeds of kindness, generosity, and hope in the world.

Thank you for celebrating with us, and Shabbat Shalom!