Vayakhel-Pekude / Ha’Hodesh
An interesting thread runs through the Torah reading for this week, the longest single reading of the year. In both the account of the construction of the Tabernacle that concludes the book of Exodus and the special Maftir detailing the instructions for the Pesach sacrifice, we can see emphasised the importance of unity. This unity comes in two forms. We firstly have separate entities joining together to make a whole. The Torah mentions on several occasions that the parts of the Tabernacle need to be joined together to become one. The Pesach sacrifice, likewise, is not eaten individually. It is necessary to eat it in a family group or gathering of friends. This teaches us the importance of working together. No great project, whether building a dwelling place for the Divine or building a new nation can be achieved without the co-operation of others. The other type of unity mentioned in our readings today is the opposite. Rather than many things creating a whole, one single entity is required to retain its wholeness, while serving different functions. The classic case is of course the Menorah. Here the differing branches and knobs must all be made from one block of gold. The Pesach sacrifice too must remain undivided. It must be roasted whole and even while being eaten it is forbidden to break the bones of the animal. This teaches us another important lesson. The most important aspects of life are best enjoyed when shared. Knowledge, symbolised by the Menorah, is best appreciated and most effective when most widely distributed. Moreover, when I share knowledge with another person, my knowledge is not therefore diminished. The opposite is normally the case. The same is true of freedom, the message of Pesach. Freedom is indivisible. Your right to freedom enhances my right and without freedom for all there cannot be true freedom for anyone. The Torah gives us these two paradigms of unity in order to teach us how both are necessary. Simply joining together to achieve something is not enough. We must also understand that in doing so we transcend our singularity and become something more than merely an aggregate of individuals. A community or a nation that is only the sum of its members is not a true community or a real nation. Only when animated by shared values, such as freedom or knowledge, do individuals become something more. As we meet the challenges facing our community and come up to decision time for the nation, the question we must ask is not merely how to work together but what for.
ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS
Rishon |
The command to keep Shabbat and bring materials for the Tabernacle. The people respond. |
Sheni |
So much is brought they are asked to stop. The building of the Tabernacle and the Ark and the Table. |
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Shelishi |
The making of the Menorah and the Altar of Incense. |
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Revi’i |
The making of the Altar of Offering and the courtyard. The sum of money given for the Tabernacle. |
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Chamishi |
The making Ephod and the Breastplate. |
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Shishi |
The making of the Robe and other priestly garments. The Mitre and Plate. |
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Shevi’i |
The Tabernacle is set up and filled with the Divine Presence. |
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Maftir |
The laws of Pesach. |
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Haftorah |
Ezekiel: 45;16-46;18: The future service of the Third Temple. |
Sidra Statistics
Parshat Vayakhel-Pekude
· have 122 +112 = 234 verses
· are the 10th + 11th in Exodus, 22nd + 23rd in the Torah
· 3rd + 7th longest in Exodus, 16th + 24th longest in the Torah
· Vayakhel has 1 pos mitzvah.
· Exodus has: 1209 verses, 11 Parshiot
· 45 pos + 66 neg = 111 mitzvot.
PAST PARSHAH PUZZLE
No smelling.
The incense is forbidden to be made to be smelled.
PARSHAH PUZZLE
Light, smell and fire to begin.
WEEKLY HALAKHA
During the month of Nisan we make a special blessing over budding fruit trees.
