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PEKUDE
Exodus 38:21-40:38
Shabbat Shekalim
(Sephardim) 2 Kings
11:17-12:17
(Ashkenazim) 2
Kings 12:1-17
2Cor.3:7-18
1 Kings 7:51-8:21 normally
is read as a HafTorah, but this weekend we begin special readings as we
head towards Passover.
Other reading may be
included for this Shabbat as it is Erev (eve) of the New Moon of Adar II
(1Sam.20:18;42).
Shabbat Shekalim is this
week’s special portion signaling only six weeks to Passover. Start
thinking about cleaning out the leaven in your physical homes and
spiritual homes as well!
As we
end the book of Exodus, here is an overview:
*
Each book ends with
something to be finished by the next generation
*
The end of
Genesis showed us Joseph’s death
*When Joseph dies, slavery
begins but redemption does not come until many years later
*The seed of G-d’s people
was planted, in Exodus it grows starting off as a small family until it
grows into a great nation
*They begin as slaves and
end up being freed from their bondage by G-d Himself
*They go into the Wilderness
and receive G-d’s Law
*
Following
G-d’s commandments through Moses the Prophet, they finish the Tabernacle
which houses The Shekhinah Glory, G-d’s presence
*
Exodus
concludes with a cloud of glory resting on a newly finished Tabernacle
*
Exodus ends
with the Tabernacle finished but not yet being used but serves as a
blueprint for the ultimate house of G-d, the Holy Temple
Exodus
39:32 All the work of the Tabernacle, the Tent of the Meeting, was
completed and the children of Israel had done everything that HaShem had
commanded Moshe, so did they do. This was the forming of a covenant with
G-d, that His presence would be formed within them.
When we
undertake the covenant of marriage, we also say I do.
Moses
makes an accounting of the gold, silver and copper donated by the people
for the making of the Mishkan.
Bezalel,
Oholiab and their assistants make the eight priestly garments according to
the specifications commanded to Moses: Apron, Breastplate, Cloak, Crown,
Hat, Tunic, Sash, Breeches.
All the
components of the Mishkan are brought to Moses, it was erected and
anointed. Aaron and his sons are initiated into the priesthood. A cloud
appears over the Mishkan, signifying the Divine Presence that has come to
dwell within.
This
Torah portion begins with the detailed listing of the amounts of gold,
silver, and copper brought forth for the task ahead.
CHARITY, TZEDAKA, IS THE
SHARING OF ONE’S POSSESSIONS WITH OTHERS
Deut 12:12: Celebrate in the
presence of the Lord, your G-d. Remember the Levites who live in your
towns, for they have no inheritance of the land as their own (19).
DO NOT
FORGET THE LEVITES
Deut
14:22: Set aside your tithe of the crop, one tenth to bring to the place
where your G-d dwells. Share with the Levites, foreigners living with
you, orphans, widows, so they can eat and be satisfied; then the L-rd will
bless your work
Romans
15:25: Believers in Greece (Macedonia) eagerly have taken up an offering
for the believers in Jerusalem, who are going through hard times.
2 Cor
8:1-8: Macedonian congregation overflowed in rich generosity
2 Cor
9: Grecian generosity
2 Cor
11: Macedonian support to Shaul with monetary gift
Philip
4:15: Gave Shaul financial help
Lets
remember, as we begin the six week countdown, that this was the time that
G-d's people started to bring in the Half Shekal for the care and build up
of G-d's house.
We also
need to think, not only of our regular giving, but special offerings as
well, as we continue G-d's work.
Hazak,
hazak, ve-nithazek. Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened
(this is said at the completion of each of the five books of Moses).
Shavua
Tov
Rabbi
Z.
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