When you Choose Shabbat, you choose to learn that every Shabbat is different and special. This week we read from Parashat Pekudei (פְקוּדֵי), the 23rd weekly Torah portion in the annual cycle of Torah readings as well as the last reading from the Book of Exodus.
According to Wikipedia, Pekudei (פְקוּדֵי), Exodus 38:21–40:38, contains 4,432 Hebrew letters, 1,182 words, 92 verses and 159 lines of the Torah scroll. Pekudei (translated as “Accountings Of”) includes a description of the making of priestly garments worn in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and the completion of its construction. At G-d’s command, Moses erects the Mishkan and puts its vessels in place, then G-d’s presence fills the Mishkan.
Rabbi Michael D Klein of Temple Torat Emet offers his insights on this week’s Torah reading, Pekudei for Shabbat, March 29, 2025 aka 29 Adar 5785:
“There are 1209 verses in the Book of Exodus. The final verses are found in this week’s Torah Portion of Pekudei. The majority of the verses of this Sedra deal with the practical use and implementation of the articles which were designed, assembled, and constructed in the previous five Sidrot under the leadership of Moses as instructed to Betzalel and Oholiab.
This division of labor is a model for Temples and other organizations which achieve success by carrying out a shared vision which is then clearly communicated to all who become committed to its success. The labor of all individuals is synthesized into a coherent and meaningful pattern which is equally dependent on the success of each group. However, we are more than worker bees or ants in a hive, as admirable as their coordination seems to be.
We have been given the gift of creative thought which enhances our work far above mere instinct. In creation of a Holy Space where G-d’s presence may be experienced, we elevate the works of our hands and minds to a level of holiness and cooperation wherein G-d’s Holy Essence can be felt equally by each individual according to their perception.
The Torah Portion and the Book of Exodus ends with these words. “When Moses had finished the work, the Cloud covered the Tent of Meeting and the Presence of the L-rd filled the Tabernacle…….When the Cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the Israelites would set out on their journeys. But, if the Cloud did not lift, they would not set out. For over the Tabernacle, a cloud of the L-rd rested by day and fire would appear by night by the vision of all the House of Israel throughout their journeys.” (Ch40V33-38)
Just imagine, if each person who attended services and contributed to the betterment of the community could perceive G-d’s immanence and how elevated and uplifted each person would be. Just imagine how we would carry that spirit and share it with everyone in our world. These should be the guiding principles of our faith, to serve and to share with those who need our help and guidance to heal the fractured world through faith and belief and sharing the hope of a better future for all. Chazak Chazak V’Nitchazek- may we be made strong and fortify the world with our love. Amen.
Discussion Questions:
- The midpoint verse of the Book of Exodus is “thou shalt not curse Hashem”. How does this coordinate with the work of the building of the Sanctuary.
- Why does use of the term “ the cloud” in modern terms coordinate with its ancient meaning?
- What is the essential role of the Tent of Meeting? How is this reflected in its name?
- At what point of the year is the Tabernacle assembled? With which holiday does this coincide and why?
Rabbi Michael D. Klein attended Yeshiva College of South Florida and served as Torah Reader, Hebrew teacher, Chazzan and spiritual leader of various synagogues throughout South Florida. In January 2015 he became Ritual Director, Bnai/Bnot Mitzvah instructor and 7th grade Hebrew instructor for Temple Torat Emet of Boynton Beach. In October 2019 he was accepted into an accelerated track and received his smicha from Yeshiva Adath Wolkowisk and has been the Rabbinic leadership of Temple Torat Emet since August 2020. In September of 2022 he was appointed Rabbinic and Spiritual Advisor of the Florida Region of FJMC.
Choose Shabbat; choose to celebrate, to light candles, sing songs and learn a little Torah.
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