The name of the first Parshah, “Vayakhel,” means “And he gathered” and it is found in Exodus 35:1. The name of the Parshah, “Pekudei,” means “Amounts of” and is found in Exodus 38:21.
Moses assembles the
people of Israel and reiterates to them the commandment to observe the
Shabbat. He then conveys
G‑d’s 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.
An accounting is made of the gold, silver and copper donated by the people for the making of the
Mishkan.
Betzalel, Aholiav and their
assistants make the eight
priestly garments—the apron,
breastplate, cloak, crown, hat, tunic, sash and breeches—according to the specifications communicated to
Moses in the Parshah of
Tetzaveh.
The Mishkan is completed and all its components are brought to Moses, who erects it and anoints it with the holy anointing oil, and initiates
Aaron and his four sons into the
priesthood. A
cloud appears over the Mishkan, signifying the
Divine Presence that has come to dwell within it.
Learn:
Vayakhel-Pekudei in Depth
Browse:
Vayakhel-Pekudei Parshah Columnists
Prep:
Devar Torah Q&A for Vayakhel-Pekudei
Read:
Haftarah in a Nutshell
Play:
Vayakhel-Pekudei Parshah Quiz
