Ex. 35:1 - 38:20
Précis: 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.
Ex. 35:1 “Moses then assembled the whole People of Israel and said to them...”
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z’l, reminds us that after Moses smashed the People, he had two tasks which are implied in this verse: to assemble the shattered remnants of stone and to assemble the community to seek contributions for the Mishkan.
In the present day, what eventually became of the tablets is a mystery. The Mishkan was replaced by the Temple of Solomon and then the Second Temple. The latter eventually became our synagogues. Just as the Mishkan and the Temples were deemed holy places, so too are our congregations – the buildings and the people within them.
As we observe an easing of Covid restrictions around the country, we all need to consider ways and means to “assemble” in our holy places. This will be, like Moses’ tasks, two-pronged: seeking contributions to safeguard our buildings, and seeking ways to safeguard the health and vitality of our members.
But a word of caution is needed too. The Mishkan was eventually replaced by Solomon’s Temple, which was destroyed. The Second Temple was also destroyed. Synagogues around the world have been attacked and destroyed (along with their entire communities) over the ages. If we are seeing a respite from the current plague, we must remain vigilant and prepared to face the fact that none of our institutions are permanent. Resiliency has saved the Jewish People for more than 3,000 years. Let’s make sure that we remember our ability, with God’s help, to face and overcome new challenges when they arise.
