Did God Forget? Thoughts on What’s Missing from Parashat Teruma

Shabbat Shalom, dear friends,

Parashat Teruma is one of the most architecturally detailed sections of the Torah. God appears as a highly meticulous client, knowing exactly how He wants His home to look. And not just knowing—He provides incredibly detailed instructions:

"According to all that I show you, the pattern of the Mishkan and the pattern of all its vessels, so shall you make it." (Exodus 25:9) "כֹּל, אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי מַרְאֶה אוֹתְךָ, אֵת תַּבְנִית הַמִּשְׁכָּן, וְאֵת תַּבְנִית כָּל-כֵּלָיו; וְכֵן, תַּעֲשׂוּ" (שמות כ"ה:ט)

And when I say detailed, I mean down to the smallest measurements. The exact height of each pillar, the specific type of wood to use, the precise way to weave the fabrics, where to source the materials, where to place gold and where to set gemstones—even the exact spacing between the stones!

And What About a Women’s Section? Oops…

But do you know what doesn’t appear anywhere?Not a single mention of a women’s section.Did God forget to include instructions for separate seating?

Or maybe… that was never part of the plan.

Because what is written?

"And the Mishkan shall be one." (Exodus 26:6) "וְהָיָה הַמִּשְׁכָּן, אֶחָד" (שמות כ"ו:ו)

One. Not two. Not a "men’s section" and a "women’s section." One sacred space where everyone stands together.

I believe God understood something profound: If women are placed behind a curtain, hidden in a second-floor gallery, they might receive the wrong message—that they are unwanted, unimportant, that their prayers don’t truly matter.

And I am convinced that God very much wants the prayers of women. How do I know? Just look at who received answers the fastest:

• For Sarah, it worked.

• For Hannah, it was an immediate success.

And What About Modesty?

Ah, this is something God actually does address—but He puts the responsibility elsewhere.Not on women, but on men.

A man is responsible for his own thoughts, his own eyes, and his own self-discipline. Does separation make that easier? Maybe.But God does not seek easy solutions.

He understands that separation comes at a cost, and that cost is women feeling excluded, disconnected, and disengaged from prayer.

And that, I believe, is not what God wants.

Because it’s not really a "women’s section"—it’s a system designed to accommodate men.

A Small Historical Fact

In Israel, there are around 120 ancient synagogue ruins.Not a single one has evidence of a separation between men and women.The first partitions appeared only in 12th-century Germany.

God Doesn’t Make Mistakes—And I Choose to Believe

So, I choose to believe that God did not forget to tell the architect to exclude me from the sanctuary.I choose to believe that He wants me there, just like everyone else.

And that’s why I choose to pray in a place where I sit as an equal.

You’re welcome to join me.

Shabbat Shalom!