Parashat Pekudei 5784

by Rabbi Margie Cella

In this last parashah of the book of Shemot we find a full inventory of the materials required to make the Mishkan, Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. Under the direction of Bezalel and Oholiab, the people of Israel did the work of creating all the furnishings and vestments according to God’s detailed instructions. The finished components were then brought to Moses, who blessed them for their labors. Now, God instructed Moses to erect the tabernacle and to anoint Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. Afterwards, the completed tent was guarded by a pillar of cloud by day and fire at night, that only moved from that spot when the people had to move to a new location.

The centerpiece of the tabernacle was the ark and its precious contents, and God’s presence there was manifested by the presence of a cloud. The dedication of the Mishkan culminated with Moses blessing the assembled nation.

Unfortunately, we know today that the Mishkan, along with the sacred ark, has been lost to history. Today the Divine presence is manifested here on earth when we commit ourselves to working together to bring God’s peace into our world. Each of us is called upon to do our part, making a place for the presence of the Shechinah within our soul.

Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh – All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.