Parshat Vayak'hel-Pekudei: Exodus 35:1--40:38

March 10, 2010 by Talia Hava Davis

By Talia Davis

The parasha (weekly Torah portion) for the week ending March 13 is a doozy! This week we read three sections: Vayak'hel and Pekudei are the main portions, and HaChodesh is tacked on because this Shabbis is the special Shabbis before the month of Nissan begins.

The Erection of the Tabernacle and the Sacred Vessels by the illustrators of the 1728 Figures de la Bible (Gerard Hoet and others, via Wikimedia CC) Vayak'hel means "and he assembled" in Hebrew and is the first word of the Torah portion. Pekudei means "amounts of" and is the second word of the portion but the first distinctive one.

The interesting thing about this double parasha is that it recaps the previous portions we have discussed. This parasha revisits the rules and building specifications that were laid out for us in Terumah, Tetzaveh, and Ki Tisa regarding clothing for the priests and accessories.

So here Moshe reiterates that we must fulfill the commandment to observe Shabbat. Then he tells us that G-d has told us to build something very special, something that will use all the instructions G-d has already given, plus many more. We are told to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Just like any major building project, it needs resources. The people enthusiastically bring what is required (must be making up for the little Golden Calf incident...) They bring goat hair and animal skins, wood, precious stones, spun linen, blue and purple and red-dyed wool. They also bring copper and silver, gold, olive oils, and herbs... so much that Moshe has to say stop!

With Moshe as the general contractor, the builders and talented artisans build the Mishkan and the interior furnishings (all based on the details in the three previous parashot). How is this Mishkan built, you ask? Fortunately, there are copious notes!

Mishkan:

Three layers of roof covering
48 gold-plated wall panels
100 silver foundation sockets
Parochet (veil) to separate the sanctuary's two chambers and the Masach (screen) on the parochet's front
The ark with the Cherubim (angels) on the cover
A table with Showbread and the Menorah (not to be confused with a Chanukkiah; hint: count the branches) with the special oil
The special Golden Altar and the specific incense burned on it
Anointing Oil (not anointed... watch the second video on this article)
An outdoor altar for burnt offerings
The hangings, posts, and foundation sockets for the courtyard
And finally, a basin and its pedestal, which was made of melted down copper mirrors

Clearly, there is a lot to do to prepare the Mishkan. The last thing is to count and record the donations of gold, silver, and copper that the people had brought to donate for the making of the Mishkan. Betzalel and Ahaliav, along with their assistants, are charged with making the priestly garments that were described in Parasha Tetzaveh.

An illustration of the Tabernacle by Gabriel Fink via Wikimedia CC Finally all the pieces are finished, but it is Moshe's job to erect the Mishkan. He assembles the whole complex and then anoints it with the holy oil. Afterward, he anoints his brother Aaron and Aaron's four sons as priests of the Mishkan.

Moshe and the People of Israel followed a cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. Once the Mishkan is built, the cloud appears over the complex and the people know that there is a divine presence dwelling there.

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3/10/2010 5:00:00 AM

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About Talia Hava Davis

As the daughter, niece, granddaughter, and great-granddaughter of rabbis, Talia Davis has been immersed in Jewish culture and communities throughout her life. She has lived in Israel and served as the Religious and Cultural Vice President of the Southeast Region of North American Federation of Temple Youth. Presently she enjoys attending synagogue at a variety of shuls that range from Chabad Orthodox to her father's post-denominational, Rocky Mountain Hai.

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