by Sandi Firsel
This week is a double parashah: Exodus 35:1-38:20, Vayak’heil and Exodus 38:21- 40:38, P’kudei. Vayak’heil deals with laborious and detailed instructions explaining the building of the Tent, the Tabenacle, and the Courtyard. The Israelites now feel sure that God will be with them, so long as they do not disobey God’s word. They are ready and eager to make a physical place for God to dwell. Moses calls upon everyone to participate in this task saying, “Everyone whose heart is moved shall bring gifts to God.” People brought the finest metals, gems, skins, linens, and other costly items to contribute. It is believed that the women were significant contributors of the materials which were integral to building the sacred place. Females were capable artisans who could turn raw materials of textile into exquisite fabric. Also, it appeared that women owned valuables and could make decisions, independently of their fathers and husbands, about their donations. This assumption is demonstrated clearly when the “Golden Calf” was constructed and the women withheld their gold, rings, and jewelry to something they did not believe in, but were committed donors to God’s dwelling place.
In P’kudei, we deal with the completion and consecration of the Tabernacle. It is the end of the book of Exodus, and the long narrative of the Tabernacle. They are no longer slaves, but free people building a “home” for God to dwell with them. The Tent, enclosure, interior, and courtyard are finished. There is an inventory of all the collections and instruction of the priestly vestments are detailed. Moses reviews the work and blesses the Israelites. Levites are entrusted with record keeping. It is interesting that the beginning existence of the shrine is the first day of the first month, which is New Year’s Day. Rosh Chodesh, the celebration of the new Moon, is the reward to the Israelite women’s refusal to contribute their jewelry to the making of the “Golden Calf.” This proves again that women are able to discern when the cause is worthy of their generosity. The Tabernacle is tied to the beginning of Israel’s existence as free people which was nine months after they arrive at Sinai, the birthday of freedom. There is a strong contrast between the homeless people of the past to the glorious home that they build for God.
Another interesting point is women had a key role at the beginning of Exodus and at the closing of Exodus. Moses is saved by the ingenuity and bravery of women (midwives, his mother, his sister, and Pharaoh’s daughter) and the Tabernacle was built by the wisdom that Miriam bequeathed to Bezalal. Bezalal, one of the main craftsman, designer, builder, and carver of God’s new home, is the great grandson of Miriam who was the source of inspiration and the house of wisdom.
In reflection of Vayak’heil and P’kudei relating them to the contemporary world, it is obvious the importance women played at that time and how relevant women are now in our sisterhoods, Women of Reform Judaism, Union of Reform Judaism, and the Reform Movement. My sisterhood, Temple Chai in Long Grove, IL, as well as other local sisterhoods concentrate their time, effort, commitment, and dedication to serving their Temple, working hard towards preserving the Reform Jewish Movement, and doing Tikkun Olum. Just like the women who helped to build the Tabernacle, our sisterhoods make conscientious, thoughtful decisions, about where they will donate their talents and financial contributions. We are hopeful that the things we are doing will make a difference not only for now, but hopefully in the future. As Moses said, “Everyone whose heart is moved shall bring gifts to God.” These gifts for God help all of us. The contributions from each sisterhood to WRJ enables our “Y”outh to develop as strong Jews, helps “E”ducate Rabbis, Cantors, and leaders on our Reform Movement, and continues to select “S”pecial Projects that make a difference in the lives of others, the YES Fund. Just as the women in the Torah were able to contribute generously to their worthy cause, so do we become the patrons to issues and items that “speak” to us as Jewish women. By doing these things together we know that our legacy will be meaningful, precious, and worthy gifts which we bring to God.
Sandi Firsel is a WRJ Board of Directors member. She is a Chai Society Co-Chair, WRJ Midwest District Past President, and a of Temple Chai Sisterhood Past President in Long Grove, IL.
