In Pekuday, Moses had to account for all the objects contributed by the people for the construction of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle represented the central, spiritual home of b’nai yisrael. Its management had to reflect the highest ethical ideals of (the new) Jewish tradition. By virtue of such accountability, neither Moses nor any of his leadership entourage could even be accused of embezzlement, fraud, theft or misappropriation of funds. As Pekuday details, the Jewish people make yet another major contribution to the world: Teaching how honesty and trust beyond reproach must be central pillars of our individual and community character.

According to Midrashic commentary on Pekuday, the official who supervised the distribution of the shekel donations wore a garment without long sleeves or pockets. He would not dare consider appropriating any of the public’s money for personal profit or use. From our earliest stages of history, Judaism defined a public official as someone who always earned the public’s trust by being a total mensch. In the contemporary world, so many of us – with justification – express deep cynicism and suspicion toward anyone in power. Leaders have a responsibility to represent the people and they serve at the pleasure of their constituents. Power was never intended to be intoxicating. For such reasons many call for term limits throughout our political system. No one, in any profession becomes greater than the job…

Accountability is not a matter of initial mistrust but due diligence. Within the past two years, the CEO of a major Jewish educational organization was discovered to have embezzled millions of dollars. Another leading Jewish youth educator was implicated in several sexual abuse scenarios. I dare say that - although these are the extreme exceptions - a number of colleagues have been guilty of similar crimes. People in the public trust, especially those in faith organizations, who fail to be accountable both morally and financially, violate sacred responsibilities. Their actions cannot be dismissed or ignored.

Haftorah Reading 1 Kings 7:51-8:21 (pages 580-582)

As the Torah reading concludes the section about building the Mishkan (Tabernacle), the Haftorah celebrates completion of the First Temple. Solomon was instructed to build the Temple rather than his renown father, King David. David’s hands were too stained by war. The Temple was to be a symbol of peace. After all the materials were provided, Solomon calls the Elders to assist with the Ark. Solomon addresses the people, explaining why David could not build it. He then comments about God’s instructions being fulfilled.

The Temple represented both the spiritual and physical soul of the nation. It would serve as a gathering center for Jews throughout the world. Today, with Judaism decentralized, synagogues exist throughout the world. Unfortunately, attrition and disinterest have put the synagogue and all it represents in peril. My hope is that even with Judaism further decentralized, the synagogue will still reflect an important spiritual, educational, and social nucleus of Am Yisrael.