Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

PARASHAT VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI Parshat P'kudei is the final weekly portion of the Book of Exodus; usually, but not always, it is read with the preceding parasha. P'kudei relates the final details of the building of the Mishkan (the portable Sanctuary), and takes its name from the accounting of all the gold and other precious metals used in its construction. With all the details built and ready to go, God finally gives Moshe explicit permission to complete the Mishkan and dedicate not only its vessels and adornments but also the Kohanim (priests) who were to serve within it. The final paragraphs of Exodus are the dramatic climax of the entire story of the Mishkan: once all the tasks were completed, God's palpable Presence rests in it, at the centre of the Israelite camp, a Presence so powerful that even Moshe could not approach the innermost parts of the Sanctuary. The Divine Presence appeared as a cloud by day and as fire by night, and led the people in their long journey. These are the accountings of the Mishkan, the Mishkan of Witnessing, which were reckoned at Moshe's instructions. " (Exodus 38:21) Once most of the work of building the Mishkan is completed, Moshe apparently wants to make an accounting of all the precious metals used in its construction. The workers who did the crafting and all the specific amounts of gold, silver and copper are listed, as well as how much was donated from various sources and what was made from the metals. One could ask why Moshe felt it necessary to make such a thorough listing of all the precious metals used in the Mishkan; after all, he himself, along with Bezalel and Oholiab, who were chosen by God, supervised the collecting and crafting! Most commentators understand this to be an example of ethical responsibility: even though Moshe himself supervised the collection of the gold and silver, he owed it to the people - the donors - to account for every single coin. If the Mishkan was to attract the love and loyalty of the entire Israelite people, there could not even be the possibility of suspicion about the slightest financial impropriety. One commentator makes a comment to the effect that God's Presence would dwell only in a place with absolutely "kosher" financial accounting practices! Shabbat Shalom. .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

This Week's Torah Reading: Vayakhel\Pekudei Rabbi Dan Liben
This week’s Torah reading: Vayakhel\Pekudei Rabbi Dan Liben This week, the book of Shemot comes to a close. We have not only finished a book of the Torah, but, after many weeks of wading through the details, we have also completed the construction of the Mishkan (theTabernacle), God’s dwelling place in the midst of the Israelite camp. To celebrate both of these completions, we will stand up in synagogue on Shabbat morning as the Torah reader completes the final verse, and declare, ”Hazak! Hazak! V’Nithazek! Strength, Strength, and be Strengthened.” Parshat Pekudei forms a fitting bookend to the first two books of the Torah, neatly mirroring the opening chapters of Bereishit. There, God builds a world in which human beings can reside. In Exodus, we return the favor; we build a Mishkan, a dwelling place for God within that world. God builds through sweeping pronouncements; we build through thoughtful planning and often painstaking detail. The language of Vayakel and Pekudei also mirrors the language of creation. Listen during the Torah reading Shabbat morning for verbal echoes of the opening chapters of Bereishit. And, just as God concludes creation with a blessing, so Moses, upon seeing the completion of the work, blesses the people who were engaged in it. Although we have no Mishkan, no physical container to hold God’s presence in our midst, I have always been moved by the metaphor of the Mishkan. After all, the entire second half of the book of Exodus, and all of Leviticus, is devoted to this enterprise. It asks us to consider the question: how do we build a world in which God would choose to live? How do we construct a society, and a life, in which God’ nearness can be felt? In part, the medium is the message.
[Show full text]
Introduction to Parshot Vayakhel1 and Pekudei
Introduction to Parshot Vayakhel1 and Pekudei READINGS: Torah Vayakhel: Exodus 35:1 - 38:20 Haftarah: I Kings 7:13-26 B’rit Chadasha: II Corinthians 9:6-11 and Torah Pekudei: Exodus 38:21 - 40:38 Haftarah: I Kings 7:51-8:21 B’rit Chadasha: II Corinthians 2:14 – 3:23 These are the accounts of the Tabernacle [Exodus 38:21] _____________________________________________________________ The Amidah Prayer Focus This Week is Part I of the G’verot [The Prayer of His Powers] Vayakhel Moshe et-kol-adat b’nei Yisra'el – i.e. And Moshe called unto him/gathered the entire witness throng of B’nei Yisrael . Exodus 35:1a. In this, the final week of our journey through the Season of Exodus, we will study two parshot – first Vayakhel, then Pekudei. First, however, we need to take a moment to catch our breath, and remember from whence it is that we have come. Recapping the Greatest Lessons of Sefer Sh’mot The Exodus narrative opened with our forefathers languishing in a state of galut2 Usually translated into English as exile, galut is a word used to describe life in [a] a foreign land, [b] immersed in foreign culture; [c] which constantly bombards you and your children with a toxic flood of: i. ungodly counsel [i.e. pseudo-intellect]; ii. uncleanness in all its forms and levels [i.e. corruption] 1 All rights with respect to this publication are reserved to the author, William G. Bullock, Sr., also known as ‘the Rabbi’s son’. Reproduction of material from any Rabbi’s son lesson without written permission from the author is prohibited.
[Show full text]
Parshat Beshalach/Shabbat Shirah 11 Shevat 5778 January 27 Shaul Robinson Josh Rosenfeld Sherwood Goffin Yanky Lemmer Tamar Fix Alan Samuels
Parshat Beshalach/Shabbat Shirah 11 Shevat 5778 January 27 Shaul Robinson Josh Rosenfeld Sherwood Goffin Yanky Lemmer Tamar Fix Alan Samuels ECHOD Senior Rabbi Assistant Rabbi Founding Chazzan Cantor Executive Director President Shabbat Schedule THIS SHABBAT 4:48pm Shabbat Candle Lighting Friday Night Services officiated by Rabbi Shaul Robinson. Musaf led by 4:50pm Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat in the Nathaniel Richman Cohen Sanctuary. Chazzan Sherwood Goffin, followed by The 13th Annual Dvar Torah given by Rabbi Shaul Robinson. Jonathan H. Spanbock Memorial Lecture which will be given by Shabbat Morning Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander on “The Newest Gifts in Reproduc- 7:45am Hashkama Minyan in the Belfer Beit Midrash followed by Shiur given tive Medicine through the Prism of Halakha.” by Dr. Moshe Sokolow Rabbi Brander is currently Vice President for University and Community Life 8:30am Parsha Shiur given by Rabbinic Intern, Jeremy Perlow on Our Timeless at Yeshiva University and teaches rabbinics at RIETS. He will soon be making Song--the Ultimate Atonement in the Nathaniel Richman Cohen Aliyah and will be the president and rosh hayeshiva of Ohr Torah Stone in Sanctuary Israel. He will succeed Rabbi Shlomo Riskin, founding Rabbi of LSS. Related 9:00am Services in the Nathaniel Richman Cohen Sanctuary. Musaf led by to his presentation, Rabbi Brander received special ordination from Chazzan Sherwood Goffin.Following Musaf, Rabbi Dr. Kenneth Brander Machon Puah, a center of medical ethics in Israel and from then Chief Rabbi will deliver The 13th Annual Jonathan H. Spanbock Memorial Lecture. Mordechai Eliyahu, in the field of medical ethics; reproductive technology 9:15am Beginners Service led by Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald in Rm LL201 and halakha.
[Show full text]
Vayakhel 5774 the Mishkan and the Wide World Beyond Rabbi David Wolkenfeld
Vayakhel 5774 The Mishkan and the Wide World Beyond Rabbi David Wolkenfeld “The first six days after Shabbat are always the hardest.” I saw that quote and it strikes me as speaking to a question which is actually quite profound. What is the relationship between Shabbat and the work that we do during the other six days of the week? How should we feel when Shabbat ends and we are faced with the prospect of six days until it will once again be Shabbat? Professor Nechama Leibowitz was one of the most influential and insightful teachers of parshanut in the 20th century. From a modest apartment in Jerusalem, she mailed mimeographed parsha sheets all over the world, guiding her students to a greater appreciation of the Torah and of parshanut, the timeless endeavor to understand the meaning of significance of the Torah. It was Nechama Leibowitz who emphasized and highlighted and found new linguistic evidence for the conceptual link between the creation of the mishkan, the tabernacle - the subject of this week’s Torah portion - and the Torah’s description of the creation of the world. Key phrases like, “made”, “saw”, “complete,” “work” appear in the Torah’s narrative of creation, and then again, in the Torah’s description of the creation of this mishkan. The language is the same, but the scale is different. God created the universe for humanity to live and flourish. We created a mishkan to bring God’s presence into our midst. The words are the same, but the scale is different. There is another way in which the scale is different.
[Show full text]
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei 5773 March 9, 2013
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei 5773 March 9, 2013 This week’s Dvar Tzedek takes the form of an interactive text study. We hope that you’ll use this text study to actively engage with the parashah and contemporary global justice issues. Consider using this text study in any of the following ways: • Learn collectively. Discuss it with friends, family or colleagues. Discuss it at your Shabbat table. • Enrich your own learning. Read it as you would a regular Dvar Tzedek and reflect on the questions it raises. • Teach. Use the ideas and reactions it sparks in you as the basis for your own dvar Torah. Please take two minutes to share your thoughts on this piece by completing this feedback form . Introduction Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei describes the first major public construction project of the Jewish people—the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The text emphasizes the truly communal nature of the project as the Israelites freely donated the construction materials—gold, silver, yarn, linen, animal skins, acacia wood, etc. In fact, the Israelites contributed so enthusiastically that they amassed a surplus of materials and Moses had to ask them to stop bringing donations. 1 Following the construction of all of the elements of the Mishkan and before they were assembled into the finished structure, the text includes a summation of the value of the materials used. This accounting at the conclusion of such a major communal project suggests the importance of conducting such accountings today, both for projects undertaken in our own communities and those that we support in international development work. The following two midrashim offer two distinct understandings of the accounting of the Mishkan: שמות רבה נא :ו Exodus Rabbah 51:6 ששמע משה ליצני ישראל מדברי It was because Moses overheard certain Israelites scoffing behind his מאחריו, .
[Show full text]
Vayakhel-Pekudei
Written by: Allon Freilich Editor: David Michaels Parshat Vayakhel-Pekudei 5781 Proper Characteristics of a Leader Jewish ideal of Leadership Rav Kook, z"tl, explains in his commentary on Agada that an ideal leader should possess three basic characteristics. The first is an inner quality of a pure heart Whenever we reflect on the Jewish ideal of leadership, the natural paradigm to meaning that he should have exemplary Midot and a spirit of holiness. These consider is Moshe. As the greatest prophet who ever lived, Moshe is the authentic characteristics are only known to Hashem, Who knows all thought and emotion. This face of the reluctant leader. Moshe first meets Hashem at the burning bush and is not something that mortal man is capable of assessing. throughout their entire conversation Moshe argues vehemently against accepting the position. This is a familiar occurrence throughout Moshe’s leadership. Another The second characteristic is that of leadership ability and deep wisdom, in order to example is the despair he encounters when Pharoh doubles the peoples’ workload lead a large and diversified population. These characteristics can be only be and he decries his position as leader. However, as Hashem’s choice the people recognized by a select band of people, who are scholarly and refined in their own naturally come to accept him as leader. It is clear (certainly throughout the first part characteristics. This is not something that the general populace are refined enough of his tenure) that Moshe is not a leader comfortable with leading but rather a leader to appreciate. to whom leadership is granted from up High.
[Show full text]
32 Vayikra B'har
Parashat HaShavuah r;hB Vayikra (Leviticus) Understanding the Parsha 25:1-26:2 B’har Leviticus 25:1-26:2 (On Mount (Sinai) We will Learn how to 1) interpret the main theme (subject)of a Parsha (weekly reading from the Torah), 2) make thematic connections to that Parsha (study the Scriptures related by a common theme [subject], line upon line and precept upon precept) 3) learn how to gain greater understanding of the Parsha we are looking at through its thematic connections to other portions of Scripture. Chiastic Structures Within the Torah Back in Parashat Mishpatim, we saw an example of achiastic structure in the Torah. A chiastic structure is a thematic method of organizing the stories of the Torah. Some believe, the Scriptures are a hodge-podge of stories hooked together in a book; but, they couldn’t be further from the truth. The Scriptures (and the Torah in particular) are a VERY organized and structured document. In fact, they are so well organized, once you understand how to uncover their organizational principles you will definitely fall on your knees and give glory to Adonai, knowing that only an all-knowing, all-powerful Elohim (God) could have developed such highly structured approach. In this lesson, we will uncover another chiastic structure woven through the stories found in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. Thematic analysis is THE primary method and model we should be using to understand and interpret the Scriptures. Adonai intended for us to study the Scripturesthematically. This will become even more evident to you becausethe themes will naturally lead you to profound truths and patterns found in the Torah that would otherwise remain hidden! http://www.restorationoftorah.org http://restorationoftorah.org/WeeklyParsha/MBMBehar.htm 1 The "Problems" With the Sidra Read Leviticus 25:1.What seems "strange" about this verse? It states that the following instructions were given to Moses on __________________ __________________.
[Show full text]
Vayakhel-Pekudei Review
Dear Youth Directors, Youth chairs, and Youth Leaders, NCYI is excited to continue our very successful Parsha Nation Guides. I hope you’re enjoying and learning from Parsha Nation as much as we are. Putting together Parsha Nation every week is indeed no easy task. It takes a lot of time and effort to ensure that each section, as well as each age group, receives the attention and dedication it deserves. We inspire and mold future leaders. The youth leaders of Young Israel have the distinct honor and privilege to teach and develop the youth of Young Israel. Children today are constantly looking for role models and inspirations to latch on to and learn from. Whether it is actual sit down learning sessions, exciting Parsha trivia games, or even just walking down the hall to the Kiddush room, our youth look to us and watch our every move. It’s not always about the things we say, it’s about the things we do. Our children hear and see everything we do whether we realize it or not. This year we are taking our Youth Services to new heights as we introduce our Leadership Training Shabbaton. This engaging, interactive shabbaton led by our Youth Services Coordinator, Sammy, will give youth leader’s hands on experience and practical solutions to effectively guide your youth department. Informal education is key. What the summer shows us as educators is that informal education can deliver better results and help increase our youth’s connection to Hashem. More and more shuls are revamping their youth program to give their children a better connection to shul and to Hashem.
[Show full text]
For Earliest Time of Tfillin and Tfillah in the Morning, See Page 25
For Earliest time of Tfillin and Tfillah in the morning, see page 25 NEW YORK Eastern Standard Time End Time Sun Candle Krias Shma Erev Shabbos/Yom Tov Rise Lighting M.A. Gr”a Erev Rosh Hashana 9/6 5:28 6:01 8:05 8:41 Vayeilech 9/10 5:31 5:54 8:05 8:41 Erev Yom Kippur 9/15 5:36 5:46 8:07 8:43 Haazinu 9/17 5:38 5:42 8:08 8:44 Erev Succos 9/20 5:41 5:37 8:09 8:45 Erev Shab. Chol Hamoed 9/24 5:45 5:30 8:10 8:46 Hoshana Rabbah 9/27 5:48 5:25 8:11 8:47 Breishis 10/01 5:52 5:19 8:12 8:48 Noach 10/08 5:59 5:07 8:15 8:51 Lech Lecha 10/15 6:07 4:56 8:18 8:54 Vayeira 10/22 6:15 4:46 8:21 8:57 Chayei Sara 10/29 6:23 4:37 8:25 9:01 Toldos 11/05 6:31 4:28 8:29 9:05 Vayeitzei 11/12 6:39 4:21 8:33 9:09 Vayishlach 11/19 6:47 4:15 8:38 9:14 Vayeishev 11/26 6:55 4:11 8:43 9:19 Mikeitz, Chanukah 12/03 7:03 4:09 8:48 9:24 Vayigash 12/10 7:09 4:09 8:53 9:29 Vayechi 12/17 7:14 4:10 8:57 9:33 Shemos 12/24 7:18 4:13 9:00 9:36 Vaeira 12/31 7:20 4:18 9:03 9:39 Bo 2022 1/07 7:20 4:25 9:05 9:41 Beshalach 1/14 7:19 4:32 9:06 9:42 Yisro 1/21 7:15 4:40 9:05 9:41 Mishpatim 1/28 7:10 4:49 9:03 9:39 Terumah 2/04 7:03 4:57 9:00 9:36 Tetzavah 2/11 6:55 5:06 8:56 9:32 Ki-Sisah 2/18 6:46 5:14 8:52 9:28 Vayakhel 2/25 6:37 5:23 8:47 9:23 Pekudei 3/04 6:26 5:30 8:41 9:17 Vayikra 3/11 6:15 5:38 8:34 9:10 178 For Earliest time of Tfillin and Tfillah in the morning, see page 25 NEW YORK Eastern Standard Time End Time Sun Candle Krias Shma Erev Shabbos/Yom Tov Rise Lighting M.A.
[Show full text]
PARASHA TERUMAH 5 February 2011
1 Adar I 5771 PARASHA TERUMAH 5 February 2011 Working ORG . Together Rabbi Jonathan Sacks Chief Rabbi Great Britain KAHALJOSEPH . As soon as we read the opening lines of Te- WWW rumah we begin the ● massive shift from the intense drama of the Prayer Schedule exodus with its signs and wonders and epic events, to the long, de- 310.474.0559 ● tailed narrative of how the Israelites con- structed the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary , CA 90025 90025 , CA that they carried with call that the mishkan SHABBAT & them through the desert. was not a permanent feature of the spiritual ROSH HODESH NGELES By any standards it is a life of the children of Is- PARASHA TERUMAH A part of the Torah that rael. It was specifically Friday, February 4th OS cries out for explanation. designed to be carried Minhah & Arbit 5:00 pm , L The first thing that on their journey through Candle Lighting 5:08 pm strikes us is the sheer the wilderness. Later, in Saturday, February 5th length of the account: the days of Solomon, it EVASSER Shaharit 8:30 am one third of the book of would be replaced by OULEVARD Teen Shabbat 11 am –2 pm Shemot, five parshiyot – the Temple in Jerusa- B Tehillim before Minhah Terumah, Tetsaveh, half lem. What enduring Minhah & Arbit 4:30 pm of Ki Tissa, Vayakhel message are we sup- ONICA and Pekudei, interrupted posed to learn from a Motzei Shabbat 6:12 pm M only by the story of the construction that was EEKDAYS golden calf. not designed to endure? W ANTA Sunday, February 6th This becomes even Even more puzzling is Shaharit 7:30 am M more perplexing when that fact that the story is Monday to Friday 10505 S 10505 ● we compare it with an- part of the book of Shaharit 6:30 am other act of creation, Shemot.
[Show full text]
Vayakhel-Pekudei 5781
Rabbi Sacks zt”l had prepared a full year of Covenant & Conversation for 5781, based on his book Lessons in Leadership. Te Oﬃce of Rabbi Sacks will continue to distribute these weekly essays, so that people all around the world can keep on learning and fnding inspiration in his Torah. Celebrate Vayakhel-Pekudei 5781 If leaders are to bring out the best in those they lead, they must give them the chance to show they are capable of great things, and then they must celebrate their achievements. Tat is what happens at a key moment toward the end of our parsha, one that brings the book of Exodus to a sublime conclusion afer all the strife that has gone before. Te Israelites have fnally completed the work of building the Tabernacle. We then read: So all the work on the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, was completed. Te Israelites did everything just as the Lord commanded Moses … Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them. (Ex. 39:32, 43) Te passage sounds simple enough, but to the practised ear it recalls another biblical text, from the end of the Creation narrative in Genesis: Te heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. On the seventh day God fnished the work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work. Ten God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.
[Show full text]
Vayakhel Pekudei
TO WHOM DOES HASHEM GIVE WISDOM? (BY RABBI DAVID HANANIA PINto SHLITA) is written, “From Moses’ presence they vious day. The Sages have promised, “He who increases took the entire offering that the Children will have his life prolonged” (Taanith 31a). Yet for a of Israel had brought for the work for the person who does not add anything – a person who is con- labor of the sanctuary, to do it. But they tent with saying, “It’s enough that I served my Creator continued to bring him free offerings yesterday, so why should I add even more today?” – the Itevery morning” (Exodus 36:3). Holy One, blessed be He, will not renew his strength. This verse states that the Children of Israel brought In the Gemara we learn, “See how the character of the their offerings for the Sanctuary every day, not because Holy One, blessed be He, differs from that of flesh and they could not bring it all at once, but because each blood. A mortal can put something into an empty vessel, day they grew in holiness. Because the entire offering but not into a full one. However the Holy One, blessed of the previous day seemed insignificant to them, they be He, is not so. He puts more into a full vessel, but not brought new things to Moses every day, and they had into an empty one, for it says: ‘If hearkening you will to be stopped. hearken’ [Exodus 15:26]. This implies: If you hearken In truth the Sages have said, “The words of the Torah [once], you will go on hearkening; if not, you will not VAYAKHEL should not seem in your eyes like an ancient order of hearken.
[Show full text]