A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: PEKUDEI (EXODUS 38:21-40-38)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   Pekudei is the last chapter in the Book of Exodus. For the fourth time, as in parshiot Tetzaveh, Terumah and Vayakhel, we again read a tedious repetition of the inventory of all the equipment used in the building and decorating of the Sanctuary: “These are the records of […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI (EXODUS 35:1 – 38:20)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   This week, we read two parshiot: Vayakhel followed by Pekudei. Each of these parshiot are replete with contradictions and multiple interpretations.  The first enigma is the question of why they exist at all. In the Torah parshiot Terumah and Tetzaveh, we read descriptions of every one of the […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: PEKUDEI (EXODUS 38:21-40-38)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   Pekudei is the last chapter in the Book of Exodus. For the fourth time, as in parshiot Tetzaveh, Terumah and Vayakhel, we again read a tedious repetition of the inventory of all the equipment used in the building and decorating of the Sanctuary: “These are the records of […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: PEKUDEI (EXODUS 38:21-40-38)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant   Pekudei is the last chapter in the Book of Exodus. For the fourth time, as in parshiot Tetzaveh, Terumah and Vayakhel, we again read a tedious repetition of the inventory of all the equipment used in the building and decorating of the Sanctuary: “These are the records of […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI (EXODUS 3:51-40:38)

By Joy Scott, Am Haskalah Congregant This week we read two Parshiot (VAYKHEL) followed by Parsha (PEKUDEI). Each of these Parshiot are replete with multiple, and frequently contradictory interpretations. The logical rationale for the perplexity of the sages is a remarkable concurrence of events, without apparent connection. In effect, with the exception of a few […]

A ‘Bissel’ of Torah: VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI (EXODUS 3:51-40:38)

This week we read two Parshiot: VAYAKHEL followed by PEKUDEI. Each of these Parshiot are replete with multiple, and frequently contradictory interpretations. The logical rationale for the perplexity of the sages is a remarkable concurrence of events, without apparent connection. In effect, with the exception of a few modifications, these two Parshiot are virtually exact […]