Bring What Moves You

Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1 - 38:20) 

Moses assembles the Israelites and reminds them of the commandment to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest. He further instructs them to kindle no light on Shabbat.

Then Moses reviews God's instructions concerning the building of the Tabernacle and calls upon the people to bring gifts to be used in its construction. He appoints Bezalel and Oholiab to be the chief artisans in the work of constructing the Tabernacle and to supervise the other skilled crafts people who will contribute to the building.

The Israelites respond to Moses' call for gifts, bringing so many riches that Moses has to proclaim that enough materials has been donated.

The skilled artisans make the cloth covering and the goat's hair tent over the Tabernacle, and they make the curtain, as well as the screen for the entrance to the Tabernacle.

Bezalel makes the gold covered Ark of acacia wood and the cherubim on the Ark cover. He makes the table for the bread of display and the seven branched menorah. Bezalel also makes the altars and the copper washbowl and stand.

For your Shabbat table:

• During the exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wandering in the desert, God often appears to the Israelites as a cloud - this happens again during Pikuday when a "cloud of God" fills the Tabernacle. What do you think a cloud of God would look like? When you try to imagine God, what does God look like?
• In Parshat Vayakhel, Moses gathers together the Israelites and reminds them of the commandment to observe Shabbat. How do you observe Shabbat in your family?
• We read a description of the two talented artisans charged with constructing the Tabernacle, Bezalel and Oholiab. In order to be chosen for this very esteemed task, they must have been quite skilled in their craft. In what areas are you talented?
• The description of the decoration of the tabernacle is very detailed.  Do you think it is important for a special place like the tabernacle to look a certain way?  How might you decorate a place that is important or special?

Enjoy your Torah toon: