Parashat Pekudei

Parashat Pekudei concludes the Book of Exodus and completes the story of the Mishkan’s (Tabernacle's) construction. It focuses on the accounting of the materials, the completion of the priestly garments, and the actual assembly of the Mishkan, followed by the Divine Presence (Shechinah) filling the sanctuary.

The word Pekudei means “accounts” or “records,” referring to the inventory of materials used for the Mishkan.

1. Accounting of the Mishkan Materials

  • A detailed record is given of all the gold, silver, and copper donated and used in the construction.

  • This shows transparency and honesty in handling communal funds.

  • The amounts are listed exactly, emphasizing the importance of accountability in leadership.

2. Completion of the Priestly Garments

  • The special garments for Aharon (the Kohen Gadol) and his sons are completed:

    • The Ephod

    • The Breastplate (Choshen)

    • The Robe (Me’il)

    • The Tunic, Turban, Sash, and Pants

    • The Tzitz (forehead plate) engraved with “Holy to Hashem”

  • The garments are brought to Moses, who inspects them and blesses the workers for fulfilling God’s command precisely.

3. Moses Assembles the Mishkan

  • On the first day of the month of Nissan, nearly one year after the Exodus, Moses sets up the Mishkan.

  • Each component—curtains, walls, Ark, Menorah, altars, vessels—is put into place exactly as God instructed.

  • Moses anoints and sanctifies the Mishkan and all its furnishings.

4. The Divine Presence Fills the Mishkan

  • Once the Mishkan is complete, a cloud covers the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of God fills the sanctuary.

  • Moses is unable to enter the Mishkan because of the intensity of God’s presence.

  • From this point on, the cloud of God guides the Israelites:

    • When the cloud lifts, they travel.

    • When it rests, they encamp.

Key Themes:

  1. Transparency and Trust

    • The meticulous accounting teaches the value of integrity in public service and leadership.

  2. Completion and Obedience

    • The people follow God’s instructions exactly, a sharp contrast to the earlier sin of the Golden Calf.

  3. Partnership with God

    • By building the Mishkan, the people demonstrate that they are ready to create space for God’s presencein their lives.

  4. God Dwells Among the People

    • The climax of the book is not just the physical building, but that God chooses to dwell among the Israelites.

  5. A New Beginning

    • The Mishkan is completed in Nissan, the month of redemption and renewal, marking a fresh spiritual start.

Conclusion:

Parashat Pekudei is about bringing a vision into reality. With dedication, precision, and unity, the Israelites create a sacred space where God’s presence can dwell among them. It closes the Book of Exodus not with the drama of slavery or miracles, but with the quiet holiness of a people ready to live in divine partnership.

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