Vayakhel details how the Israelites carried out the command to build the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Most of our theme was introduced in previous portions, when God first commanded the desert Israelites to build the Sanctuary.

Why repeat what we have already learned?

In the earlier portions, God merely commanded Moses to construct the Tabernacle. In Vayakhel (and in next week’s portion, Pekudey) we learn that Moses and the people faithfully carried out God’s instructions.

Vayakhel includes several themes:

• Moses first re-introduces the idea of a Sabbath, a day when community work would cease. The theme arises here to teach that the Sabbath will be so vital to Jewish survival that it pre-empts working on the Sanctuary.

• Men and women from the community were eager to participate in the Mishkan construction and adornment. The entire community donated so many materials that at a designated point no further material was necessary.

• Betzalel is officially appointed as chief artisan for the Mishkan construction. The Torah defines him as one filled with the spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship. The person designated for such a sacred task must identify with the mission and convey deep reverence for a project that will reflect the devout, spiritual life of Israel for all time. Oholiab was also appointed to assist Betzalel.

The Torah then narrates the Mishkan construction.

*Thought to consider:

Everyone took pride in the Mishkan, a welcomed phenomenon following the Golden Calf scenario. B’nai Yisrael rebounded from the nadir of their desert experience to unify in passionate expression of their new faith.

Today, Jews are often counted among patrons of the arts and contributors to multiple philanthropies and causes. Unfortunately, we do not duplicate such efforts when it comes to Synagogues and Jewish Day Schools. Regrettably, the post-October 7 world offers us a new and sobering reality: Many of the institutions we have long supported now publicly condemn Israel and remain silent in the face of escalating anti-Semitism throughout the US. In the spirit of the desert b’nai yisrael, we need to strengthen our commitments to Jewish causes, and to do so with passion and activism.

Shabbat Shkalim Torah Reading / Maftir: Exodus 30:11-16

We refer to this shabbat as Shabbat Shkalim: The Sabbath of the Shekel. Several weeks before Passover, we read about the half shekel, the coin eventually offered as an annual contribution for the purpose of bedek habayit (repairs to the Temple). Since Passover was a central holiday for pilgrimages to Israel, the shekel contribution enabled all important repairs to be completed before the holiday. The half shekel contribution (a modest amount) was originally designed as an atonement for Israelites, who serve in the military and were compelled to kill enemy soldiers in defense of Israel. Killing was vital for self-defense but never desirable even during wars of survival. Today, despite the world’s condemnations, an overwhelming majority of Israelis would prefer peace and co-existence to picking up weapons and fighting. War is the last alternative. Israel was not eager for the present war in Gaza. Hamas and its butchery made such a war inevitable…

Haftorah Reading for Shkalim: 2 Kings 12: 1-17

In honor of our special Sabbath, the Haftorah details the repairs made to the Jerusalem Temple. King Jehoash oversaw these repairs and insisted that many of the contributions made to the Temple be designated for such a purpose.