Overview of Parasha Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1–38:20)

Parasha Vayakhel (“And he assembled”) begins with Moshe gathering the Israelites and reiterating the commandment of Shabbat: “Six days work shall be done, but the seventh day shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of complete rest to the L-rd.” This serves as a reminder that even the sacred work of constructing the Mishkan (Tabernacle) must not override the sanctity of Shabbat.

The Gathering of Materials and Skilled Artisans

Following this, Moshe calls upon the people to contribute materials for the Mishkan, including gold, silver, copper, fine linen, precious stones, and acacia wood. The response is overwhelming—men and women, moved by a willing heart, bring their offerings in abundance. So much is given that Moshe eventually has to command them to stop bringing more.

Moshe appoints Bezalel, from the tribe of Judah, and Oholiab, from the tribe of Dan, as chief artisans, endowed with divine wisdom and skill to construct the Mishkan and its furnishings. They lead a team of craftsmen to complete the work according to G-d’s instructions.

Construction of the Mishkan and Its Vessels

The portion then details the actual construction of the Mishkan:

• The Tabernacle Structure – The boards, curtains, and coverings are assembled.

• The Ark of the Covenant – Made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, featuring the cherubim on its cover.

• The Table of Showbread – Overlaid with gold and used to hold the twelve loaves of bread.

• The Menorah – Fashioned from pure gold with seven branches.

• The Golden Altar (Incense Altar) – Used for burning incense before the L-rd.

• The Bronze Altar – The main altar for sacrifices, made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze.

• The Laver (Wash Basin) – Made from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.

• The Courtyard – Enclosed with fine linen hangings, with pillars and sockets of bronze.

Conclusion

Parasha Vayakhel emphasizes the balance between work and rest, generosity and obedience, craftsmanship and sanctity. It showcases how a community, united in purpose and guided by G-d’s instructions, can create a space where His presence dwells.

Overview of the Haftarah for Parasha Vayakhel (I Kings 7:40–50)

The Haftarah for Parasha Vayakhel comes from I Kings 7:40–50 and describes the completion of the vessels and furnishings for the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple) built by King Solomon. It parallels the Torah portion, which details the completion of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its sacred vessels.

1. The Craftsmanship of Huram (Hiram) the Artisan

The Haftarah introduces Huram (Hiram) of Tyre, a master craftsman who, like Bezalel in the Torah portion, was filled with wisdom and skill to construct the Temple’s vessels. Huram was responsible for fashioning many of the bronze furnishings used in the Temple service.

2. The Bronze Works for the Temple

Huram created various bronze vessels, including:

• The Two Pillars (Yachin and Boaz) – These massive bronze pillars stood at the entrance of the Temple, symbolizing strength and stability.

• The Molten Sea (Yam Shel Shlomo) – A large basin supported by twelve oxen, used for the priests’ ritual purification.

• The Ten Bronze Lavers – Used for washing the sacrificial offerings.

• Various Implements – Pots, shovels, and basins for Temple service.

3. The Golden Furnishings of the Sanctuary

The Haftarah then shifts to the gold vessels inside the Temple, which correspond to the golden vessels of the Mishkan:

• The Menorahs – Unlike the single Menorah in the Mishkan, Solomon’s Temple contained ten golden Menorahs.

• The Golden Altar – Used for burning incense before G-d.

• The Table of Showbread – There were ten tables in the Temple, compared to the single table in the Mishkan.

• Other Sacred Utensils – Tongs, basins, snuffers, and firepans, all made of pure gold.

Conclusion

The Haftarah of Vayakhel emphasizes the grandeur of the Beit HaMikdash and the fulfillment of G-d’s command to establish a holy dwelling. It reinforces the Torah’s message that the work of human hands, when dedicated to G-d, becomes sacred.