Torah Links

Parsha Summary
Parshat Vayakhel discusses the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Moses assembles the entire nation of Israel and lists the raw materials that G-d has instructed them to use. The Jewish People donate everything that is needed. The Nesi'im (Princes), who had wanted to give anything that the people did not donate, could only contribute the precious stones of the Kohen Gadol's choshen (breastplate). G-d instructs that two gifted craftsmen carry out the construction: Bezalel from the tribe of Yehuda, and Aliav from the tribe of Dan. The Torah then describes the makeup of many items in the Mishkan.

Parshat Pekudei begins with an accounting of the gold, silver, and copper that the people contributed. The Torah then tells us where each item that was built was placed in the Mishkan. Moses sets up the Mishkan on Rosh Chodesh Nissan; G-D’s Glory descends upon it.

We read from a second Torah scroll this week, the portion of Parshat Bo (12:1-20) that talks about the month of Nissan and the Laws of Passover. Each new month is announced in the synagogue the Shabbat before, with a special prayer. The month of Nissan is unique because it is the first month in the monthly cycle (not yearly cycle). It is also the month in which we were redeemed from Egypt and when we will ultimately be redeemed. Hence, we read this portion this week, as it is the Shabbat before the first of Nissan.

Betzalel
By Rabbi Moshe Rockove
This week’s Torah portion details how Betzalel, along with his group of workers constructed the mishkan – tabernacle, the vessels, and the priestly garments. Yet, the Torah states that – “Betzalel made, in singular tense (Ex. 37:1). In fact most of the Torah portion is written in the singular tense. Why did he get the credit if he was merely the overseer over a dedicated group of workers?

Rashi explains that even though Betzalel was in charge he worked harder than anyone else did. He didn’t just sit “behind the desk” and coordinate things, he actually did the work.

Betzlel was an extremely capable individual and uniquely qualified for this job, as evidenced by the praises the Torah bestows upon him (Ex. 35:30-34). Yet, as Rashi points out, it wasn’t his myriad talents and abilities that set him apart from the others, but, rather it was due to his hard work and dedication that he was singled out in the verse. As a teacher once said to us, “potential means you ain’t done nothing yet.” It’s the effort one expends on a project that really makes people thrive.

The Creator has given all of us unique talents and capabilities to fulfill our unique mission in life. If we squander them frivolously, and use them half-heartedly, we aren’t fulfilling our life’s destiny. This leaves us feeling frustrated, unfulfilled and wasting our lives. When we take the necessary effort to develop them and use them constructively in our lives, we will be able to realize our unique contribution to the world and be respected for it, as evidenced by Betzlelel.