Faith and hope

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.

            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.

            Mi shebeirach imoteinu
            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.