The Tabernacle: Giving From the Heart
The Torah describes how the Children of Israel brought so many voluntary offerings for the construction of the Tabernacle that Moses called a stop to donations. The people gave so enthusiastically that there was enough for the construction of the Tabernacle and there...
The True Day of Rest
The fourth of the Ten Commandments instructs the Children of Israel to observe Shabbat on the seventh day because God Himself created the world in six days and rested on the seventh (Exodus 20:8-11). This mitzvah (Torah commandment) is repeated in many places...
The 39 Acts (Jewish Sabbath Rules) Forbidden on the Sabbath
After the instructions for the Tabernacle are given and right before the actual construction of the Tabernacle begins, Moses gives an incongruous message commanding the Jews to rest on Shabbat (Exodus 35:1-3). In no fewer than 12 places, the Torah reiterates the...
Why Was the Laver Made From the Mirrors of the Women?
At the beginning of the Torah portion of Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20), the Torah again described the materials that were collected for use in creating the Tabernacle (Exodus 35:4-9). In the case of the laver, the Torah even describes the source of the material,...
Weekly Torah Portion: A Generous Heart
This week’s Torah portion opens with Moses’ instruction to the Children of Israel to donate items for the construction of the Tabernacle and its various vessels. It echoes the very similar commandment that God gave to Moses in Chapter 25. It would seem, therefore,...Related Content
The Portion of Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20)
The Portion of Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19)
The True Day of Rest
Hiram: The pagan who built Solomon’s Temple
The 39 Acts (Jewish Sabbath Rules) Forbidden on the Sabbath
How the Temple Menorah Represents the Jews' Mission to be a Light Unto The Nations
A Table Fit for a King
Why Are We Commanded to Keep the Pieces of the Broken Tablets?
Where is the Ark of the Covenant?
