Parshat Pekudei & Parshat HaChodesh: Joy, Forgiveness, and Timely Mitzvot

For the refuah shleimah of my dear mother, Mrs. Malka bas Frad, and l'ilui nishmat my beloved husband, Rav Shlomo ben Rav Yitzchak O.B.M. (Of Blessed Memory).

Good evening, everyone! As we approach Shabbat, we conclude Sefer Shemot with Parshat Pekudei and also read Parshat HaChodesh, given that Sunday marks Rosh Chodesh Nisan. This week's double portion offers profound insights into forgiveness, joyful service, and the power of timely action.

Parshat Pekudei: The Mishkan as a Witness to Forgiveness

Parshat Pekudei details the completion and erection of the Mishkan, the culmination of a monumental effort. The Mishkan served as a powerful witness (עד) that Hashem had forgiven Am Yisrael for the grievous sin of the Golden Calf.

The word "Mishkan" appears twice in the Torah's account of its erection: "וַיָּקֶם מֹשֶׁה אֶת הַמִּשְׁכָּן" (And Moshe set up the Mishkan), and then "הַמִּשְׁכָּן מִשְׁכַּן הָעֵדֻת" (The Mishkan, the Mishkan of testimony) [Source: Exodus 40:17, 34]. Rashi explains this double mention alludes to the two future Temples that would be built and subsequently destroyed [Source: Rashi on Exodus 38:21]. Mishkan comes from mashkon (a pledge or guarantee). Hashem essentially says: "I give you this Sanctuary as a pledge. If you uphold your part, it remains. If not, I will remove it so that you are not destroyed."

Joyful Teshuva (Repentance): What was the gravest aspect of the Golden Calf sin? Not just the act itself, but the joy with which it was committed. When Moshe Rabbeinu descended from Sinai and saw the people "dancing and reveling" (mecholot) [Source: Exodus 32:19], he knew the Luchot (Tablets) could not be given to such a mindset. The breaking of the Luchot was a stark reminder of their spiritual loss.

Therefore, the path to forgiveness and the building of the Mishkan required a joyful Teshuva. The Torah states they brought their contributions "בִּנְדִיבַת לִבָּם" (with a willing heart) [Source: Exodus 35:29], which Chazal interpret as true inner joy [Source: Rashi on Exodus 35:29]. This genuine happiness in serving Hashem, particularly evident in the gold for the Aron (Ark) taken only from truly generous hearts, was the essence of the Mishkan's sanctity [Source: Shir HaShirim Rabbah 1:9].

The Builders of the Mishkan: Legacy and Unity

The Mishkan was built by extraordinary individuals:

• Bezalel ben Uri ben Hur: A young man (some say 12-13) with immense wisdom, whose merit stemmed from:

  • His grandfather, Hur, who was martyred for opposing the Golden Calf [Source: Sanhedrin 7a].

  • His great-grandmother, Miriam, who, along with Yocheved and Shifra, defied Pharaoh, for which Hashem promised them "בָּתִּים" (houses/generations) [Source: Exodus 1:21] – meaning houses of Kohanim, Leviim, and those who would build the Mishkan.

• Oholiab ben Achisamach: From the tribe of Dan, the smallest and seemingly least significant tribe. This collaboration between Yehudah (Bezalel's tribe, the largest) and Dan, representing Leah and Rachel's handmaid (Bilhah), symbolizes the unity and equality that Rachel and Leah sought for their children – that all tribes, from greatest to smallest, would equally participate in building Hashem's sanctuary.

Women's Dedication: Weaving Faith into Hearts

The Mishkan's coverings included rough curtains made from goat hair [Source: Exodus 26:7]. This was a challenging task, specifically performed by women [Source: Exodus 35:26]. The Midrash asks: Why goat hair, a "plain" animal, when sheep's wool might be superior?

This alludes to the story of Rivka covering Yaakov with goat skins to receive blessings from Yitzchak [Source: Genesis 27:16]. Hashem says: "I cherish Rivka's mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice) for Yaakov. These goat skins, imbued with such devotion, are what I want in My sanctuary."

Furthermore, this symbolizes the unique power of women:

• They don't just weave material; they weave positivity, holiness, faith, and trust into the hearts of their children.

• Just as weaving goat hair was difficult, so too is instilling emunah (faith). Yet, women possess this specific strength, ensuring the spiritual continuity of generations. This is seen in stories of children recognizing "Shema Yisrael" in post-Holocaust orphanages due to their mothers' hidden teachings.

The Power of Prayer: 18 Blessings, Constant Renewal

Our daily Amidah (silent prayer) contains 18 blessings. Chazal teach this corresponds to the 18 times the phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה ה' אֶת מֹשֶׁה" (as Hashem commanded Moshe) is mentioned in Parshat Pekudei [Source: Berachot 28b]. These blessings recall the devotion and joy with which the Mishkan was built, empowering our prayers to be accepted as if offered in the Temple itself.

Parshat HaChodesh: The Essence of Time and Mitzvot

Parshat HaChodesh, always read before Rosh Chodesh Nisan (the first month of the Jewish calendar), emphasizes the mitzvah of sanctifying the New Moon [Source: Exodus 12:2]. This marks a fundamental principle:

• Renewal: Just as the moon renews each month, we are given constant opportunities for rebirth and renewal, even in dark times.

• Importance of Time: Hashem teaches us the significance of understanding time, recognizing that new chances always arise.

The Parsha also mentions the mitzvah of Matzah: "וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם אֶת הַמַּצּוֹת" (And you shall guard the matzahs) [Source: Exodus 12:17]. Rashi's profound interpretation adds: "אַל תִּקְרָא מַצּוֹת אֶלָּא מִצְוֹת" (Do not read 'matzahs,' but 'mitzvot') [Source: Rashi on Exodus 12:17]. This means: Guard the mitzvot! Just as matzah must be baked quickly (under 18 minutes) to prevent leavening, so too must mitzvot be performed with zeal and immediacy, capturing the joy before it wanes. The wicked son asks, "Why are you doing this hard work?" [Source: Exodus 12:26]. We answer: "זֶבַח פֶּסַח הוּא לַה'" (It is a Pesach offering to Hashem) [Source: Exodus 12:27] – a joyful sacrifice, a privilege.

May we experience a Chodesh Tov, filled with joy, accomplishment, and good tidings as we prepare for Pesach! Have a wonderful Shabbat!