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VAYAKHEL

Exodus 35:1-38:20

1 Kings 7:13-26,40-50

2 Cor. 9:6-11

Moses assembled people in order to go over the commandments regarding Shabbat. He then conveyed G-d's instructions regarding making the Tabernacle.  All these materials were provided by the people (chap30:16-Half Shekel contribution for the upkeep of the Sanctuary ), who donated the required materials in abundance: gold, silver, copper, fabrics of different colors, fine woods, olive oil, herbs, precious stones. Soon they have more then they need, so Moses has to tell them to stop giving.  Wise artisans are chosen to take materials and make the Mishkan and its furnishings as detailed in previous Torah readings.

The essential point is how the Israelites built a Sanctuary with their property, their bodies and their souls.  From their property, they gave the kinds of voluntary offerings of material needed for the Sanctuary.  With their bodies, they gave the labor with which it was constructed.  And with their souls they gave the uplifted heart, the wisdom and the willingness of spirit, which the Torah mentions as accompanying the work.

Today, we can have a share in building our sanctuary as proclaimed in 2 Cor. 9:6, by being generous at all occasions and giving cheerfully, so that the end result will be to build G-d's house and give to the needs of G-d's people, resulting in overflowing thanksgiving of expressions to our G-d.

Shavua Tov

Rabbi Z.

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