February 29, 2008

Parshat Hashavua: Vayakhel Exodus 35:1-38:20

Following the extensive construction details in Parshiot Terumah and Tetzaveh for the Tabernacle and all its contents and the trauma of the Golden Calf described in last week's parashah of Ki Tissa, the people now embark on the construction itself. First the people are warned not to violate Shabbat, which takes precedence over and of the building.

The people are to gather donations in the form of the needed materials. The people responded in both offered skill and the requisite materials with great generosity. Moses presents Bezalel, as God's chosen overseer of the project, a man endowed with the divine spirit along with his assistant Oholiab.

We should note Moses' reaction to the people's generosity: "The artisans said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than is needed for the tasks entailed in the work that the Lord has commanded to be done". Moses thereupon had this proclamation made throughout the camp: "Let no man or woman make further effort toward gifts for the sanctuary!" So the people stopped bringing: their efforts had been more than enough for the tasks to be done.

We also hope with our construction project to some day soon to be able to repeat Moses words. Unfortunately we are not there yet.

Shabbat Shalom
Candle lighting: Friday, February 29, 2008 5:39pm