This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Pequdei, which closes the book of Exodus. It’s also Shabbat HaChodesh, the Shabbat that falls just before, or on, the first of Nissan. This special Shabbat is meant to prepare our hearts and minds for the Lord’s Passover.

In this portion, we’re reminded of something we often talk about, but maybe don’t fully grasp: the presence of the LORD. We’ve all heard (and probably said) things like, “The presence of the LORD was in this place.” It’s well-meaning. But when we read Exodus 40:34–38, it becomes clear that this isn’t something casual:

Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud had settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle…”

This wasn’t just a good worship set or an emotional moment. It was so real, so heavy, so holy, that even Moses—who spoke with God face to face—couldn’t enter. The Hebrew word for “glory” here is כָּבוֹד (kavod), and it carries the idea of weight, value, honor, and significance. When God’s “kavod” filled the tabernacle, it wasn’t symbolic. It was overwhelming. Unapproachable. Terrifying and awesome.

That leads to a question: do we actually know what it means to be in God’s presence? And if not, how do we learn? One answer: by practicing obedience. And one of the clearest ways God has given us to walk in obedience is through His appointed times—His feasts.

Our special reading from Exodus 12:1–20 takes us back to the first Passover. God instructs Israel to mark the beginning of the year with a lamb—a perfect one—whose blood would serve as protection:

Now this day shall be a memorial to you, and you shall celebrate it as a feast to the LORD; throughout your generations… as a permanent ordinance.
Ex. 12:14

The prophetic imagery is clear: the blood of the lamb causes judgment to pass over. We know the deeper fulfillment—Yeshua, the Lamb of God. But that’s not where God’s story ends. That’s where it starts: the call to remember, to celebrate, and to obey continues. Not out of obligation, but relationship.

That brings us to the Haftarah reading: Ezekiel 45:16–46:18. This passage might seem obscure at first—detailed instructions about offerings and worship in a future temple—but it actually reinforces everything we’ve been reading.

Ezekiel describes a restored system of worship where the prince leads the people in bringing offerings—not just on Passover, but during all of God’s appointed times. The people bring their best. The prince doesn’t take unjustly from the people (Ezek. 46:18), and the structure of worship is orderly, reverent, and consistent. God’s presence is central.

This vision is powerful because it reminds us that God's glory—His “kavod”—isn’t only about a past tabernacle or a future temple. It’s also about how we live now, in our obedience; in our remembering; and in how we respond to His presence with humility, awe, and faithfulness.

So as we enter this season—Nissan, the beginning of months—let's not treat these readings as distant history or future prophecy. Let’s ask ourselves:

• What does it mean to live like God’s presence is real?
• How does obedience draw me closer to Him?
• And how can I honor His “kavod” with how I live today?

Shabbat Shalom,

Moran