Weekly Torah Commentray Vayakel-Pekudei

[Philip Bliss]

Vayakhel-Pekudei

Exodus 35:1 – 40:38

The Torah: A Modern Commentary, pages 668 – 675 and 681 – 687

Revised Edition, pages 612 – 620 and 628 – 634

Haftarah HaChodesh

Ezekiel 45:16 – 25

The Torah: A Modern Commentary, pages 1653 – 1654

Revised Edition, pages 1457 – 1458

Saturday 13 March 2010, Shabbat Adar 27 5770

From Rabbi Allison Conyer, Emanuel School, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

 

This week’s parsha, Vayakahel – Pekudei, concludes the epic story which began the book of Exodus.  This second book of the Torah tells the story of the Exodus from Egypt. We read about the doubts of our ancestors, their obstacles and triumphs, as they wandered through the desert in search of a better life.  Just last week, we read about their dire mistake, their acquiescence to impatience and fear, motivating them to create the egel ha’zahav – the golden calf, a shining symbol of the lack of faith and break down in trust, ultimately dividing the community and setting in motion the next 40 years of wandering.

After an angry Moses and a harsh punishment from God, the Israelites were given another chance.  Thus we begin our parsha. The first part begins with the repetition of the observance of Shabbat.  It continues by calling upon the people to bring specific gifts to God, “everyone whose heart so moves him...” (Ex. 35:5), and asking for all who are skilled to come forward to help build the mishkan – the tabernacle, or holy dwelling place.  Ultimately two men were chosen to design and construct the mishkan – Betzalel (meaning “in the shadow of God”) and Oholiav (meaning “the tent of our father”).  The remainder of the parsha is filled with details of the materials and processes needed to build the mishkan. It concludes with the completion of this holy dwelling place being filled with the Presence of God which would continue to guide them throughout their journeys.  As it says:  “For over the Tabernacle, a cloud of Adonai rested by day, and a fire would appear in it by night, in view of all the house of Israel throughout their journeys (Ex. 40:38).”

So what can we take from this conclusion to the book of Exodus?  As we approach Pesach and prepare to retell our story, the experience of Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus from Egypt) which shaped the fabric of Jewish identity, we must first and foremost remember where we came from and reset our compass to where we should be heading.  We came from an oppressed people, where others made our choices and determined our fate.  Our sense of autonomy, purpose and self-worth had been so badly compromised we forgot who we were.  Once we were liberated, we set out in search of a better life in an unknown destination, but trusted that that whatever may come, life was better on the other side.  Once we traversed the waters, we would be safe/saved/happy.

We must remember what impeded our progress and held us back.  We were impatient.  We were afraid.  We sought a quick fix (the golden calf) to alleviate our anxiety.  We got burned and suffered the consequences.

We must remember we were given a second chance.  God took us out of Egypt with a strong hand and outstretched arm.  God took us out of Egypt to be God’s people.  We all make mistakes.  We all fall down and lose our way at times.  But each of us has a purpose and can be pulled up to be reminded of that purpose to fulfil not only our destiny, but that of our people.  We learn in this week’s parsha that the direction we are given in our second chance is to build, to work together to create a holy space.  The only way to create such a space is when each person gives willingly of him/herself, when each person recognises his/her unique skills and uses them for the benefit of something special.  The combination of our individual talents/skills and intentional will working with others will create something holy that will guide us through life’s journeys.  We must not forget that Shabbat was the first mitzvah repeated after being given our second chance, for Shabbat is the time that grounds us, centres us, helps us to connect to ourselves, the environment and those people who are our partners in building a holy space.  As we approach Shabbat this week, and Pesach in 3 weeks time, let us remember where we came from and where we would like to be heading in our lives.  What are the factors that hold us back?  What are the factors and who are the people who partner with us to create a holy space/a better tomorrow? And what would we like to do with our second chance?