Vayakel- Pekudei
Ex. 35:1 – 40:38
Précis: In Vayakel, Moses instructs the People again on the laws of Shabbat and asks for a donation of gifts (both of material and service) for the construction of the Tabernacle. The appointment of the construction leaders is also included, and the construction begins. There are again specific descriptions of implements, articles, and of the Ark itself.
In the second parasha we read this week (Pekudei) we reach the end of the Book of Exodus. It begins with an inventory of the items used in the construction of the Mishkan, as well as the vessels and clothing collected by Moses and Aaron. When the accounts are squared, the completed structure is blessed. The Ark is placed within, as are the various holy vessels, and a cloud of glory descends and covers the tent.
Ex. 40:38 “For the cloud of Adonai was upon the Tabernacle by day and the fire on it by night, in view of all of the house of Israel throughout their journeys.”
A traditional commentary on this verse suggests that each of us is like a Mishkan: there are times of darkness (when we are covered by the cloud) and times of light (when we are illuminated by the fire). How true this appears to be in our current polarized political climate. But our current situation diverges from the traditional commentary in a significant way. Now, one group sees darkness when the other see light, and one group sees light while the other sees only darkness. We argue about what we perceive. Facts no longer seem to be facts, and communication – honest communication – seems to become impossible.
But our tradition can respond to this as well. When there is good fortune for all, we need to remember that clouds will inevitably appear to darken the outlook. When things seem so dark that we want to cry out in despair, we need to remember that we can expect an eventual return to light and brightness. Like the Mishkan, the Divine Presence is with us both when things are dark and when they are bright.
Some call me overly optimistic about the American future because I remain steadfast in the belief that we will overcome our struggles together. May it come soon and in our time.
