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.
Pekudei is
the final parasha of the Book of Exodus 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. 35:10 “And let all among you who are
skilled come and make all that Adonai has commanded: the Tabernacle, its tent
and its covering…”
It is fitting that we
read this final part of Exodus with a recounting of building the Mishkan. As we
have noted before, the Mishkan was eventually replaced by the Temple, and
ultimately the synagogue, as the center of Jewish worship.
This is particularly resonant
this week, when many of us are prevented from congregating in our synagogues
for Shabbat services due to the dangers of the current pandemic. Some find
comfort in streamed services, others pray with their immediate families, others
limit their devotions to minimum minyamin with appropriate social distancing.
None of us knows how
long these conditions will prevail. It is, perhaps, most appropriate to
remember that the Jewish People and our faith have prevailed in an incredibly
broad range of circumstances. May we overcome the present dangers with faith
and hope, and provide each other with some kind of comfort through the kinds of
interactions which are appropriate and proper. In the words off Debbie Friedman (z'l):
Mi shebeirach avoteinu
M'kor hab'racha l'imoteinu
May the source of strength,
Who blessed the ones before us,
Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing,
and let us say, Amen.
M'kor hab'racha l'imoteinu
May the source of strength,
Who blessed the ones before us,
Help us find the courage to make our lives a blessing,
and let us say, Amen.
Mi shebeirach
imoteinu
M'kor habrachah l'avoteinu
M'kor habrachah l'avoteinu
Bless those in
need of healing with r'fuah sh'leimah,
The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit,
And let us say, Amen.
The renewal of body, the renewal of spirit,
And let us say, Amen.
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