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This week, we read not one Parashah but two.Vayakhel
Vayakhel opens in Exodus 35:1 with Moses assembling the people of Israel together to tell Israel what HaShem had told him to tell them. He begins by impressing them with the sanctity of Shabbat. This concept has, sadly, been lost by those of us who claim to be followers of the G-d of Israel. But, that is a matter for another time and another place.
Then, Moses allows the children of Israel to give the L-rd a contribution. He told them that everyone whose heart motivates them should bring precious minerals and stones, fine cloths, oil, incense and more. Basically, he told them to bring to G-d the finest that they could gather; but he told only those whose heart stirred them to respond. In chapter 35, verse 21, we find the response and a definition of significance. I have shared this in churches across America as I have received the offering on behalf of the church.
"Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the L-rd's contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments." Notice that the contribution was for three specific purposes. First, it was for the Tent of Meeting; that is, today, the facility in which your congregation meets. Whether it is a big fancy church building or a hotel ballroom or even a living room; it is the place of meeting and the gifts of those who attend should pay for it. Secondly, the contribution was for all of the service. This is more than just what happens inside the walls of the building where you meet. It is everything t hat your congregation does to impact the world for the Kingdom of G-d. Finally, the third part of the offering was for the holy garments. These are the special clothing worn by those whom the L-rd had placed in authority. Both the priests and the Levites wore special clothing of office. In like manner, the contributions given by your congregation should pay those whom the
L-rd has placed in positions of authority in your congregation. In too many churches I have visited and ministered in, the pastor and the staff live well below the norm of the members. In Hebrew, we call this a shanda which means a scandalous shame!The remainder of this portion deals with the construction of the Tabernacle and all of its tools and parts. Each one was specifically designed by G-d, Who equipped certain craftsmen to build everything exactly as G-d instructed. This too is our obligation, to do things G-d's way only!
Everything connected to the Tabernacle, and later to the Temple alludes to the mystery of God's unity (which is the theme of the revelation on Mount Sinai) as well as to the reconciliation of man with G-d. The Aramaic word for this process of bringing unity is "tikkun" which also means "warfare." This is something to consider when reading such passages in the New Testament as Ephesians chapter 6. The "weapons of war" that Paul writes of are not those of a soldier (as is usually depicted) but those of a Priest. We are to be the warriors that fight to bring reconciliation of the world to G-d.
The entire book of Exodus depicts this path. It began with Israel in Egypt, a place of confinement and of slavery, without the ability to worship and to live as unto G-d. Now, as the book draws to a close, we see the nation coming together to build the place where the very Presence of the Holy One would dwell in their midst.
Pekudei
This week's Parashah opens in Exodus and it concludes the book of Exodus and chapter 40, verse 38. Pekudei means “Reckonings.”
We begin with the accounting of all that was involved in the building of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness. In chapter 40, verse 1, the L-rd tells Moshe to erect the Tabernacle on the first day of the first month of the year. It was to mark a new beginning.
Understanding the Jewish calendar is one of those things that perplex everyone who tries. The Jewish calendar is based upon a lunar month. Each month, therefore begins with the new moon, and lasts for 30 days. The Rabbi’s determined that 7 times in 19 years, they must add an additional month of 20 days, similar to our leap year adjustment made every four years. This year is such a year; that is why Resurrection Sunday is one month before Passover this year. It will slowly creep back toward the Feast until, like last year, it will be the Sunday that actually falls within the week of Passover.
Think of a year, not as a flat timeline, but as a continuum. The religious calendar begins in Nissan, the season of Passover. It ends, with the seventh month, Tishri. The Civil Calendar begins with Tishri, and ends, seven months later, with Nissan. So, the two calendars overlap in their beginning and their ending months. 7+7(-2) =12!
Okay, so which first month was the text referring to? Well, for help in this, we can look at the Haftorah portion for this week. Each week, in addition to the Torah reading, there is a part of the Prophets read as well. There is a thematic correlation in most weeks’ reading. The Haftorah portion is from 1 Kings 7:51-8:21. This is the account of the opening of the Temple of Solomon. In chapter 8, verses 1-2, we read that the Temple was opened in the first day of the seventh month. In ancient times, it was called Ethanim, but during the time of the Babylonia captivity, the name was changed to Tishri. It is the seventh month of the religious calendar, but the first month of the civil one.
Since G-d is a G-d of patterns and of order, it is believed by the Rabbis that the Temple was dedicated at the same time of year as the Tabernacle was. At both of these times, the Shekinah appeared and was so brilliant that no one could approach the place where it rested. We often pray and sing songs in which we beg G-d to reveal His glory or to send His glory to us. Friends, if the Radiant Glory of G-d ever did appear, it would be so glorious that you could not stand to be in the same place. Even so, the L-rd instructs us to seek His face. He tells us that He wants to reveal His glory in us. He tells us that all the earth is filled with His glory. The glory of G-d is not something that can be trifled with, but it is also not something to be ignored.
The other evening, Carol and I noticed the beautiful rising of the full moon. In that was revealed the Glory of G-d. When we see one of our little grandchildren, we behold the glory of creation and of the Creator. When you experience the love between a couple or from a parent and their child, the glory of G-d is filling the earth. Do not miss every opportunity to revel in His glory as He reveals it to you this week.
At the end of the reading of each book of Torah,
as is the case this week, the entire congregation recites this declaration:Chazak! Chazak! Venischazeik!!
Be Strong! Be strong! And may we be strengthened.
May this be our declaration and our prayer today and always.
Keep praying.
Marty
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