Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei - פרשת ויקהל-פקודי
Sefer Shemot (Exodus) | Exodus 35:1 - 40:38
About This Parasha
Parashat Vayakhel-Pekudei is a double parasha that concludes the Book of Exodus. It describes the actual construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and all its furnishings, closely mirroring the divine instructions given earlier in Parashat Terumah and Tetzaveh.
Vayakhel (“He Assembled”) begins with Moshe gathering the entire congregation of Israel. He reiterates the commandment to observe Shabbat, then calls upon the people to bring voluntary contributions of materials for the Mishkan. The response is overwhelming — the people bring so much that Moshe has to command them to stop. Betzalel and Oholiav are appointed as the chief artisans, and the detailed work of constructing the curtains, boards, ark, table, menorah, altars, and courtyard begins.
Pekudei (“Accounts”) opens with an accounting of the materials used in the Mishkan’s construction. The priestly garments are completed and brought to Moshe. He inspects all the work, finds it matches God’s instructions exactly, and blesses the people. Finally, Moshe erects the Mishkan on the first of Nissan, places all the sacred objects inside, and the glory of God fills the Tabernacle. The cloud of God’s presence rests upon the Mishkan, guiding the Israelites throughout their journeys.
Aliyot
| Aliyah | Hebrew | Verses |
|---|---|---|
| Aliyah 1 | ראשון | Exodus 35:1-29 |
| Aliyah 2 | שני | Exodus 35:30-37:16 |
| Aliyah 3 | שלישי | Exodus 37:17-29 |
| Aliyah 4 | רביעי | Exodus 38:1-39:1 |
| Aliyah 5 | חמישי | Exodus 39:2-21 |
| Aliyah 6 | ששי | Exodus 39:22-43 |
| Aliyah 7 | שביעי | Exodus 40:1-38 |
Key Themes
- Shabbat Before the Mishkan: The parasha opens with Shabbat, teaching that even the holy work of building the Mishkan does not override Shabbat observance
- Generosity of the People: The overwhelming voluntary contributions — so abundant that Moshe must tell them to stop giving
- Betzalel’s Wisdom: The divine spirit of craftsmanship and artistic skill given to the artisans, led by Betzalel ben Uri
- Faithful Execution: Every detail of the construction matches God’s original instructions — “as Hashem commanded Moshe” is repeated numerous times
- The Accounting: A transparent reckoning of all materials used, establishing principles of public accountability
- The Divine Presence: The culmination of the entire Exodus narrative — God’s Shekhinah descending to dwell among Israel in the completed Mishkan
Back to Shnayim Mikra