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VAYAKHEL/PEKUDE
21 Mar 2009
Exodus 35:1-40:38
;
Ezekiel
45:16-46:18
1 Samuel 20:18-42
1 Kings 7:40-8:21
2 Corinthians
9:6-11
Additional
reading for Shabbat Hachodesh Exodus 12:1-20
Every once in a
while we come across a double Parasha. This is because there are 54
Parashot in the yearly reading cycle, plus special holiday Parashot, which
must be read during a 52-week period. This is one of those double weeks.
The Parasha
begins with the Commandment of Shabbat and the penalty for transgression.
Moshe asked the Son's of Israel to donate the time, talents and materials
for construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). They responded with
enthusiasm.
Talents and materials were donated and
Betzallel and Oholiav were appointed as chief architects and artists. The
response to Moshe’s appeal was so great that he had to command the people
to stop their donation.
PEKUDE; begins with an accounting of the
materials used in the construction of the Mishkan. (gold: 4,386.5 pounds,
silver: 15,088.75 pounds, copper: 10,620 pounds). The Kohen Gadol’s (High
priest) breastplate and vest are described. Moshe blesses the workers
after the Mishkan is completed.
On the first day
of Nissan, the Mishkan was assembled. After every vessel was properly in
place, the presence of G-D, the Shechinah (Glory of G-d), descended in a
cloud and filled the Mishkan.
The upcoming month of Nissan begins with a
description of the special sacrifices, which will introduce the Messianic
era. The prophet Ezekiel focus on the dedication of the third Bet
Hamikdash (Temple) and says, “On the first day of the first month (Nissan)
take a perfect bullock and purify the Bet Hamikdash.”
“In Nissan we were redeemed and in Nissan we
are destined to be redeemed.” These words refer to the events of our
HafTorah wherein we are informed that the service in the Bet Hamikdash
will begin in the month of Nissan.
The month of Nissan has special significance to
G-d’s people, both Jewish and non Jewish. It marks our redemption from
bondage; both Egyptian and our own personal Egypt.
For the Children of Israel, all scars of their
exile disappeared and they could now enjoy a close relationship with G-d
who loves them, cares for them and knows their very hairs on their head.
So it is for all who are part of the Body of
Messiah. Scars are healed and now we too can enjoy a close relationship
with our G-d whom we love.
HAZAK HAZAK V’NIT’CHAZEK!
Be strong, be strong, and let us be
strengthened!
Shavua Tov
Rabbi
Z.
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