PARASHA 022 MAIN PAGE
Sh'mot/Exodus
35:1–38:20
The name
of the Parshah, "Vayakhel," means "And he gathered" and it is found in
Exodus 35:1.
Moses assembles the people of Israel and reiterates to them the
commandment to observe the Shabbat. He then conveys YEHOVAH instructions
regarding the making of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The people donate the
required materials in abundance, bringing gold, silver and copper;
blue-, purple- and red-dyed wool; goat hair, spun linen, animal skins,
wood, olive oil, herbs and precious stones. Moses has to tell them to
stop giving.
A team of wise-hearted artisans make the Mishkan and its furnishings (as
detailed in the previous Torah readings of Terumah, Tetzaveh and Ki
Tisa): three layers of roof coverings; 48 gold-plated wall panels, and
100 silver foundation sockets; the parochet (veil) that separates
between the Sanctuary’s two chambers, and the masach (screen) that
fronts it; the ark, and its cover with the cherubim; the table and its
showbread; the seven-branched menorah with its specially prepared oil;
the golden altar and the incense burned on it; the anointing oil; the
outdoor altar for burnt offerings and all its implements; the hangings,
posts and foundation sockets for the courtyard; and the basin and its
pedestal, made out of copper mirrors.
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