These and Those

Musings from Students of the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem

ויקהל

Posted on March 19, 2012 by Barer

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This week’s parsha details – again – the various vessels that were built for the Mishkan (Tablernacle).  While the question of why such repetition is in the Torah is a good one, I want to focus instead on the short narrative section of the parsha.  After repeating a few of the central laws to the people, Moshe asks for donations of the materials to build the Mishkan.  Perhaps surprisingly, so many people donate so generously that Moshe is forced to ask them to stop (Shmot 36:6-7).  However, when you consider that, as least as the text is presented, this request for holy donations comes right after the Sin of the Golden Calf, maybe the outpouring is less surprising.  The people are given an immediate opportunity to cleanse themselves of their idolatry by actively supporting the building of the precursor to the Temple.

After a great sin

Community yearns return

Another chance