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Parsha
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Vayakhel
The previous Parsha recounted G-d’s reconciliation with the Jewish People after the tragedy of the Golden Calf. The joyous news of G-d’s forgiveness is announced on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. The very next day, Moses gathers the Jews to communicate G-d’s instructions for building the Tabernacle – a symbol of their restored relationship with G-d.
Before instructing the Jews regarding the Tabernacle, Moses commands them to refrain from all work on the Sabbath; even the building of G-d’s own Sanctuary must cease on this holy day. Moses then relays G-d’s request that the people donate the materials needed for the project.
Both men and women respond to the call with unbridled enthusiasm, contributing over and above the necessary amount; Moses announces that the campaign is over and people should stop bringing supplies.
G-d declares that the principle architect of the Tabernacle will be Betzalel, a member of the tribe of Judah. G-d has “filled him with a Divine spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge…” Betzalel will be assisted by Oholiav, a member of the tribe of Dan, along with any individual “wise of heart, in whom G-d has placed wisdom and understanding, to know [how] to do all the crafts of the holy work.”
The Parsha proceeds to catalogue the components of the Tabernacle previously mentioned in Parshas Terumah; each item was meticulously fashioned by the dedicated Jewish craftsmen.
The classical commentators address the apparent redundancy in the multiple accounts of the Tabernacle in the last five Parshas of Exodus. The commentators discover nuances of meaning in the subtle variations in the various texts. In a larger sense, the Torah’s lengthy treatment of this topic indicates G-d’s love and esteem for His children’s handiwork, and His desire to dwell upon the subject at length.
Click below to open a printable pdf
Before instructing the Jews regarding the Tabernacle, Moses commands them to refrain from all work on the Sabbath; even the building of G-d’s own Sanctuary must cease on this holy day. Moses then relays G-d’s request that the people donate the materials needed for the project.
Both men and women respond to the call with unbridled enthusiasm, contributing over and above the necessary amount; Moses announces that the campaign is over and people should stop bringing supplies.
G-d declares that the principle architect of the Tabernacle will be Betzalel, a member of the tribe of Judah. G-d has “filled him with a Divine spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and knowledge…” Betzalel will be assisted by Oholiav, a member of the tribe of Dan, along with any individual “wise of heart, in whom G-d has placed wisdom and understanding, to know [how] to do all the crafts of the holy work.”
The Parsha proceeds to catalogue the components of the Tabernacle previously mentioned in Parshas Terumah; each item was meticulously fashioned by the dedicated Jewish craftsmen.
The classical commentators address the apparent redundancy in the multiple accounts of the Tabernacle in the last five Parshas of Exodus. The commentators discover nuances of meaning in the subtle variations in the various texts. In a larger sense, the Torah’s lengthy treatment of this topic indicates G-d’s love and esteem for His children’s handiwork, and His desire to dwell upon the subject at length.
Click below to open a printable pdf
| vayakhel_snapshot_and_closer_look_template_final.pdf |