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(כא) אֵ֣לֶּה פְקוּדֵ֤י הַמִּשְׁכָּן֙ מִשְׁכַּ֣ן הָעֵדֻ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר פֻּקַּ֖ד עַל־פִּ֣י מֹשֶׁ֑ה עֲבֹדַת֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם בְּיַד֙ אִֽיתָמָ֔ר בֶּֽן־אַהֲרֹ֖ן הַכֹּהֵֽן׃
(21) These are the records of the Tabernacle, the Tabernacle of the Pact, which were drawn up at Moses’ bidding—the work of the Levites under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest.
Summary
In the last two months of Torah readings, the book of Exodus has covered a significant journey for the People of Israel. We began by reading about the birth of Moses in the context of slavery in Egypt — and eventually Moses led the people to freedom and into the desert, where they received the Ten Commandments and began building the Mishkan (or Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary). Now, in Parashat Pekudei, Exodus comes to a close as the Mishkan is completed.
Pekudei (meaning “accountings of”) opens by taking account of the resources — gold, silver, and more — used by Betzalel and Oholiav to build the Mishkan. It then details the making of the priestly garments to be worn inside. When all the work on the Mishkan is complete, the structure is brought to Moses. At God’s command, he erects the Mishkan with its vessels in place, and God’s presence fills the space.
Going Deeper
A Gesture of Reconciliation
The Torah refers to the Mishkan as representing a pact or testimony. To what, exactly, does it testify? Midrash Tanchuma offers one answer, connecting the Mishkan to an earlier event in the People of Israel's history.
An Account of Accountability
Why does Moses provide such a detailed report of the materials used in building the Mishkan? Midrash Tanchuma Buber (a version of Midrash Tanchuma based on a manuscript discovered by Solomon Buber) includes a rabbinic explanation rooted in speculation among the people.
Connecting the Haftarah
As we read about the completion of the Mishkan in Parashat Pekudei, the accompanying haftarah covers a parallel milestone: I Kings 7:40-50 (Sephardi tradition) and I Kings 7:51-8:21 (Ashkenazi tradition) recount the dedication ceremony of the First Temple in Jerusalem after its completion.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the meticulous account of the resources used in constructing the Mishkan tell us about the role of transparency and accountability in communal projects?
- As Parashat Pekudei highlights the collaboration of skilled artisans, how can we apply the concept of teamwork and unity to achieve common goals within our communities, regardless of individual differences?
- Midrash Tanchuma Buber (referenced above) portrays Moses as responding to the people’s concerns around resources for the Mishkan. What might his choice to address these concerns tell us about his approach to leadership and resolving conflicts?