B"H

Thursday, 23 Adar 1, 5776 / March 3, 2016 – HAKHEL YEAR

This year, 5776, being a leap year in the Hebrew calendar, we read this Shabbat Parshat Vayakhel. In a non-leap year, we would combine Vayakhel with the next Parsha, Pekudei.

The reason for this is that in a leap year, which consists of thirteen months, we have four additional weeks in the year. Being that we go through the entire Torah in the course of a year, we have to make adjustments to the Torah readings which will vary from a regular year to a leap-year. In a regular year we combine some Parshiot, whereas in a leap year we will read them separately.

This week’s Parsha, Vayakhel, begins; “Vayakhel Moshe” – “Moshe assembled the entire congregation of the people of Israel and said to them, ‘These are the things which G-d commanded…”

The purpose for this assembly was to inform them of G-d’s commandment to build the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, which will serve as a place where G-d’s presence will rest amongst the Jewish people. Moshe tells them that each one should participate and have a hand in the building of the Tabernacle.

Moshe tells them that each one should bring whatever items they have which can be used for the building of the Mishkan. Those who have special talent and can partake in the actual building of the structure and its contents should come forward and also participate in the actual work.

The building of the Mishkan was a collective project in which every person, men, women and children participated. Everyone was equal before G-d in building the House of G-d.

G-d told Moshe to choose his great nephew, Betzalel, of the tribe of Judah, and Oholiav of the tribe of Dan, to take charge of the workings of the Mishkan. In choosing Betzalel and Oholiav, G-d also emphasized that everyone was equal before Him.

The tribe of Judah was considered the supreme tribe. The tribe of Dan was considered the lowest of the tribes. G-d chose Betzalel from Judah and Oholiav from the tribe of Dan to be in charge of the work to show that everyone is equal when it comes to making a dwelling place for G-d.

Each one’s role in life may be different. But together we must all work for the same goal. Each one has their personal mission in life, which together we accomplish our collective mission in this world.  

Our sages say, “Who is a wise person? He, who learns from everyone!”

Every person has something unique to offer. Every person has their special mission and responsibility to make this world a better and holier place. Every good deed and act, no matter how small it may seem, makes a big difference.  

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY