Parashat Pekudei 5785

by Rabbi Margie Cella

In this last parashah of the book of Shemot we find a full inventory of the materials collected by Bezalel for use in constructing the tabernacle and all its furnishings, as well as for the priestly garments for Aaron and his sons. For each component, we are told the exact quantity that was collected, and what specific items it was used for. In painstaking detail, we read how Bezalel and Aholiav created each item according to God’s instructions. Finally, after doing everything that God had commanded, the people brought the finished components to Moses, who blessed them for their efforts. Now God instructed Moses to put all the pieces together, to erect the tabernacle and anoint Aaron and his sons for the priesthood on the first day of Nisan. After Moses followed God’s precise blueprint to finally erect the tabernacle, and dress and anoint the priests for their holy service, God’s glory filled the structure. A cloud rested on the tent by day and fire at night, only moving from that spot when the people had to move to a new location.

All of this came together because at that moment all the people of Israel were united in purpose, motivated to work together to enable the construction of a dwelling place for the presence of God in the midst of the nation. Today, more than ever, it is so important for us to show the same unity of purpose, to bring God’s presence into the world by standing strong together in support of our beloved Eretz Israel. 

Am Yisrael Chai! All people of Israel Live!