Exodus 35:1 -
40:38
Moses
assembles the people of Israel and reiterates to them
the commandment to observe the Shabbat. He then conveys
G-d's instructions regarding the making of the Mishkan
(Tabernacle). The people donate the required materials
in abundance, bringing gold, silver, copper, blue,
purple and red-dyed wool, goat hair, spun linen, animal
skins, wood, olive oil, herbs and precious stones. Moses
has to tell them to stop giving.
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A team of
wise-hearted artisans make the Mishkan and its
furnishings (as detailed in the previous Torah readings
of Terumah, Tetzaveh and Ki Tisa): three layers of roof
coverings; 48 gold-plated wall panels, and 100 silver
foundation sockets; the Parochet (Veil) that separates
between the Sanctuary's two chambers and the Masach
(Screen) that fronts it; the Ark and its cover with the
Cherubim; the Table and its Showbread; the
seven-branched Menorah with its specially-prepared oil;
and the Golden Altar and the incense burned on it; the
Anointing Oil; the outdoor Altar for Burnt Offerings and
all its implements; the hangings, posts and foundation
sockets for the Courtyard; and the Basin and its
pedestal, made out of copper mirrors .
An
accounting is made of the gold, silver and copper
donated by the people for the making of the Mishkan.
Betzalel, Ahaliav and their assistants make the Eight
Priestly Garments -- the Efod, Breastplate, Cloak,
Crown, Turban, Tunic, Sash and Breeches -- according to
the specifications communicated to Moses in the Parshah
of Tetzaveh.
The
Mishkan is completed and all its components are brought
to Moses, who erects it and anoints it with the holy
Anointing Oil, and initiates Aaron and his four sons
into the priesthood. A cloud appears over the Mishkan,
signifying the Divine Presence that has come to dwell
within it.
This being
the Shabbat that falls on or before the 1st of Nissan,
we also read the section of Hachodesh (Exodus 12:1-20)
which relates G-d's words to Moses in Egypt two weeks
before the Exodus, instructing us to set the Jewish
calendar by the monthly new moon and to regard Nissan as
the "head of months." G-d also instructs to bring the
Passover offering, to eat it with matzah and bitter
herbs, and to abstain from leaven for seven days.
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