By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant
Both this week’s Torah reading, Vayakhel, and next week’s reading, Pekudei, are replete with questions and contradictions. The first enigma is the question of why they exist at all. In parshiot Terumah and Tetzaveh, we read descriptions of every one of the Sanctuary’s dozens of components as dictated by God to Moses. Just as we thought that the Tabernacle was built to include precise details pertaining to the the Eternal light and perfumed incense, we endure another reading which includes merely a few additional elements to enhance the Sanctuary.
The rabbinical scholars of the Middle Ages were consistent in their interpretation of the repetitive nature of Vayakhel. The common thread of their supposition was based on a theory that the details provided to Moses pertaining to the construction of the Tabernacle were merely a blueprint of how God would want the ‘Tent of Meeting’ to be furnished(1).
More modern rabbinical scholars believe that the Biblical writers probably translated Vayakhel approximately three hundred years later (most likely unaware of the text already being included in the Torah), as a means for the Israelites to atone for the sin of the ‘Golden Calf’. Based on this theory, the Israelites would make amends for their sin of creating a false idol. Both men and women would be compelled to undertake the back-breaking work of carrying the heavy wood and metals required for the building of the Sanctuary. They would be required to work day and night to complete the job, according to the strict specifications which God had related to Moses(2).
One major deviation from the previous parshiot pertaining to the details required to build the Tabernacle, is stated at the beginning of Vayakhel: “Six days of work may be done, but on the seventh day, you shall have a day of complete rest to sanctify the Lord”(3).
The theme of the importance of Shabbat is repeated throughout this week’s parsha. It is critically important for the Torah to emphasize the centrality of Shabbat to the Jewish collective identity; as well as the core of Jewish life. “More than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews”(4).
The other deviation from the parshiot Teruma and Tetzaveh is in proving the value of leadership, team-work, and creativity. Vayakhel is Moses’ response to the wild abandon of the crowd which constructed the ‘Golden Calf’. He does something fascinating: he uses the same motivation which drove the Israelites into a frenzy to create a false idol, now to utilize each individual’s unique talents to build a ‘Sanctuary’, which will prove critical to sustaining their faith and hope.
“A tribe, including many members, who, from possessing common values, fidelity, obedience and courage, would always be ready to aid each other; and, to sacrifice themselves for the common good”(5). Moses uses this logic to mobilize the Israelites, to act in accordance with God’s commands; simultaneously atoning for their heinous sin. This is what Moses understood, and did as their leader.
He knew, instinctively, that to build a team, you must create a team that builds!
FOOTNOTES:
(1) Rashi, etal, 9th and 10th century rabbinical scholars
(2) EXODUS REVISITED (Jerusalem Press), 2010
(3) EXODUS (35:2)
(4) Rabbi Ahad HaAm (19th century)
(5) Charles Darwin, “The Descent of Man”