Weekly Shabbat Parsha Thoughts – Vayakhel and Pekudei – 3.12.2010

This week we have a double parsha. It goes into great detail about the design and costs of the mishkan. The Jewish people are asked to bring materials for the building and the response is overwhelming. In this first community capital campaign the Jewish people provide the materials for construction of the mishkan. In fact the response is so overwhelming that Moses requests that the people stop bringing the donations in.

Then the torah goes on to detail much of the building process and then it does something that sends a remarkable message to us as a people. They go through a full accounting of the materials used. What a wonderful message about the vital nature of transparency and integrity. The Torah teaches us here that community resources even when committed to holy work must have a full accounting. It is stating that leaders must understand the importance of their followers and show them that they are treated with respect and integrity.

If HaShem and Moses must show a full accounting for the work on the mishkan than certainly everyone else must be willing to do the same when they are trusted with the resources of other people, whether that is time, talent or treasure. What a wonderful lesson about “walking the walk”.

To lead and make a difference we must try to operate with openness, transparency and integrity. It is a wonderful example and standard for us to live up to.

Shabbat Shalom

Summary of The Weekly Torah Reading:
Parshas Vayakhel / Pekudei

1st Aliya: The Parsha begins with the Mitzvah of Shabbos and the penalty for her transgression. Note that Pasuk 35:5 is classic proof of the Oral Law. Those who deny the Oral Law must explain the literal translation of this verse to prohibit having any burning flame on Shabbos. This would forbid the use of lights, heat, and even Shabbos candles! It is the Oral Law which teaches us that the G-d's prohibition was directed at lighting a fire, not having a fire. Moshe asked the Bnai Yisroel to donate the time, talents, and materials for the construction of the Mishkan. The Bnai Yisroel responded with unbridled enthusiasm.

2nd Aliya: Talents and materials were donated and Betzallel and Oholiav were appointed as chief architects and artists. The response to Moshe's appeal was so great that Moshe had to command the people to stop their donations! The outer coverings of the Mishkan and the inner tapestries are detailed. The beams of the Mishkan, the Aron Hakodesh, and the Shulchan - Table are described.

3rd & 4th Aliyot: The Menorah and the inner Golden Altar are described. The outer ramped Altar, the Washstand, and the Mishkan's surrounding enclosure are detailed. Pekudei begins with an accounting of the materials used in the construction of the Mishkan. (gold = 4,386.5 lb./ silver = 15,088.75 lb./ copper = 10,620 lb.)

5th & 6th Aliyot: The Kohein Gadol's breastplate and vest are described. The remaining garments of the Kohein Gadol and the other Kohanim are detailed, and Moshe inspects the completed Mishkan. Moshe certifies that the entire project followed the exact details of Hashem's instructions. Moshe blesses the workers.

7th Aliya: On the 1st day of Nissan, 2449, the Mishkan was assembled. After every vessel was properly in place, the presence of Hashem, the Shechina, descended in a cloud and filled the Mishkan.