Parsha Pekudei

Creation and the Tabernacle

As we come to the end of Exodus we complete the narrative and description of the Tabernacle. The language the Torah uses surprisingly resonates with the language of Creation. In both cases the Torah uses similar phrases “And He saw the work that had been done,” (39.4) “And the work was completed,” (39.32 & 40.33) “And He blessed them,” (39.43).…

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Parsha Pekudei

How Many Tents?

The Book of Exodus ends with a confusing paragraph. The Tabernacle has been built and dedicated. The Divine Cloud descends on the Tent of Meeting and the Glory of God fills the Tabernacle. Moshe could not enter the Tent of Meeting and God filled the Tabernacle. And the Children of Israel would only continue their travels when the clouds lifted.…

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Parsha Pekudei

Bezalel & Aesthetics

The construction of the Tabernacle and all its artifacts was handed over to Bezalel and his assistant Oholiab. They are mentioned throughout the process, not just as great craftsmen but also as righteous people. Filled with the spirit of God. One of the criticisms leveled at Judaism by its ideological opponents is that we have no sense of aesthetics, of…

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