Note: In common years, Parasha Va-yakhel is combined with Pekudei to help make the number of weekly readings correct.
Working Together
Va-yakhel
describes Moses conveying the L-rd’s instructions to the Israelites,
specifically reminding them of the Sabbath, offerings to the L-rd, and the
building of the
calling for skilled workers to build the Tabernacle, each
worker bringing something different to the table. Have you ever felt bad about
yourself for not being able to do something that a friend of yours may be a
master in? Hashem does everything for a reason. Sure, certain Israelites may
have been a whiz with a hammer and a nail, but it would be for naught without
someone to spin the yarn. Talent doesn’t become a gift until it is shared.
Precious Cargo
The
final parasha of the book of Shemot (Exodus) is Pekudei. It opens with the
records of the Tabernacle, listing the materials used for its building and for
the sacred vestment worn by Aaron. The Tabernacle was set up on the first day
of the first month in the second year in the wilderness. The presence of the
L-rd filled it and guided the Israelites on their journeys.
The
Israelites set up a beautiful vessel for the Divine Presence. Today, we go to
our own various synagogues and temples, but we still are the shomer (guardian)
of the precious cargo that is our soul. We must respect ourselves so that we
can protect ourselves.
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