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Shabbat Parah
VAYAKHEL/PEKUDE
17 MARCH 2012
(And he assembled)
(Accountings)
Exodus 35:1-40:38
Ezekiel 36:16-38
John 6:1-71
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
Additional reading for Shabbat Parah:
Maftir Numbers 19:1-22 Ashes of Red Heifer
This week is a double portion, and we also end the book of Exodus
The Portion begins with the commandment of Shabbat and the penalty for transgression. Moshe asked the sons of Israel to donate the time, talents and materials for construction of the Tabernacle. They responded with enthusiasm. Talents and materials were donated and Betzalel and Ahaliav 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 Tabernacle is completed.
As we approach the month of Nissan (which by the way will fall next Shabbat) we read this week for Shabbat Parah, the Haftorah portion of Ezekiel 36:16-38. The prophet speaks of how GOD will restore His people back to the land not only to follow thru with promises to the fathers Avraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but also to their descendents who were removed because they profaned GOD’s name. GOD said that He will act for His name’s sake to bring glory to Him among the nations, and that He will sprinkle clean water on the children of Israel and they will be clean, and made pure, thus the connection to Shabbat Parah.
In Nissan the children of Israel were redeemed. Nissan we also were redeemed by the special offering of the blood of the lamb which, like the ashes of the red heifer, made us pure and ready for The Lamb’s Seder both now and in the messianic age to come.
The month of Nissan has special significance to GOD's people, both Jewish and non-Jewish. It marks our redemption from bondage; both the Children of Israel from Egypt and us from our own personal Egypt.
For the Children of Israel, all scars of their exile disappeared and are now dwelling in the land as promised by GOD. So it is for all who are part of the Body of Messiah. Scars are healed and now we too can move forward to dwell with GOD and enjoy a close relationship with our GOD whom we love and who loves us
CHAZAK, CHAZAK, VENITZCHAZEIK!
Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened!
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
HAZAK HAZAK V’NIT’CHAZEK!
Be strong, be strong, and let us be strengthened!
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z
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