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VAYAKHEL “And he assembled”

PEKUDE “Accountings”

13 Mar 2010

Exodus35:1-38:20

Exodus 38:21-40:38

1 Kings 7:13-26, 40-50

2 Cor. 9:6-11

1 Kings 7:51-8:21

2 Cor. 3:7-18

 

 

Shabbat HaHodesh

 

This Shabbat has a special name, Shabbat HaHodesh.  There is a special reading, in addition to the Parasha, from Exodus 12:1-20 about the paschal offering.  We also announce and bless the new month of Nisan (Rosh Chodesh), which commences this Monday evening the 15th.  During this week we also read from Ezekiel 45:16 which portrays the upcoming month (Nissan) in a brilliant light.  It begins with an elaborate description of the special sacrifices which will introduce the Messianic era.

                                                                    

     We are ending the book of Exodus and state, 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.

 

     The end of Genesis showed us Joseph’s death, Exodus concludes with a cloud of glory resting on a newly finished Tabernacle. Each of these end with something to be finished by the next generation.

 

     When Joseph dies, slavery begins. Redemption, however, does not come until many years later.  Exodus ends with the Tabernacle finished but not yet being used.  It serves as a blueprint for the ultimate house of G-d, the Holy Temple.

 

The seed of G-d’s people was planted in Exodus.  It grows, starting off as a small family, until it becomes 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 the Law.  Following G-d’s commandments through Moses the Prophet, they finish the Tabernacle which houses The Shekhinah Glory, G-d’s presence.

 

Exodus 39:32 states that 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 turn to HaShem, we have the veil that separated us from G-d removed from over our hearts.  When we did Teshuvah, turning unto HaShem, we have the presence of His glory within us.  Reflecting the glory of the Lord we are being transformed into His image from glory to glory.  This is from the power of the Lord who is the Ruach (Spirit).

 

          Hazak, Hazak, Ve’nithazek.  Be strong, be strong and may we be strengthened!

 

 

          Shavua Tov

 

          Rabbi Z.

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