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VAYAKHEL /
PEKUDE
Shemot/Exodus 35:1-40:38
Shemot/Exodus 12:1-20
M’lakhim Alef/1 Kings 7:40-8:21
This Shabbat is Shabbat
HaChodesh. It introduces us to the new month Nisan the month of our
freedom.
This is why we also read from
Exodus 12.
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 Mitzvah (commandment) of Shabbat and the
penalty for transgression. Moshe asked the B’nai Yisrael (children of
Israel) to donate the time, talents and materials for construction of the
Mishkan. 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 donations.
The outer coverings of the Mishkan and the inner tapestries are detailed.
The beams, the Aron HaKodesh (Holy Ark) and the Shulchan (table) are
described.
The
Menorah and the inner Golden Altar are described. The outer ramped Altar,
the Washstand and the surrounding enclosure are detailed.
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. The
remaining garments are detailed and Moshe inspects the completed Mishkan.
Moshe certifies that the entire project followed the exact details of
HaShem’s instructions. Moshe blesses the workers.
On
the first day of Nissan, the Mishkan was put together. After every vessel
was properly in place, the presence of HaShem (God), the Shechinah (Holy
Spirit), descended in a cloud and filled the Mishkan.
The
upcoming month of Nissan is a time of joy, but also a time of reflection
of our responsibilities in the kingdom of HaShem, because in this month we
remember our freedom that was given and the commandments that were placed
upon us as the people of HaShem.
In the
Book of Ezekiel we read about elaborate descriptions of the special
sacrifices, which will introduce the Messianic era. The prophet Ezekiel
focuses 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 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 the Jewish people. It marks
our redemption from Egyptian bondage. All scars of their exile
disappeared and they could now enjoy the closest relationship with their
beloved HaShem.
So it
is for all who are part of the Body of Messiah Yeshua. Scars are healed
and now we too can enjoy a close relationship with our beloved HaShem.
HAZAK
HAZAK V’NIT’CHAZEK!
Be
strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened!
Shalom U’Bracha
Rabbi
Z
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