By: Upper School Judaic Studies Principal, Chanania Engelsman
This week’s parsha begins with Moshe assembling the Bnei Yisrael to tell them about the command to build the Mishkan, a temporary home for Hashem in the desert. However, before going into great detail about the Mishkan and each of its vessels, Moshe begins with a reminder about the importance of keeping Shabbat.
When assembling the Bnei Yisrael, why does Moshe mention the mitzvah of Shabbat before the command to build the Mishkan, especially since the Jewish people had already received this command three times?
Shabbat is more than a day of rest; it embodies the Jewish mission and unites us in a shared historical purpose. This sacred "oasis in time" recalls three pivotal moments in Jewish history: creation, revelation, and redemption.
We see this idea reflected in the three different tefillot on Shabbat. On Friday night, we remember creation, acknowledging Hashem’s completion of the world He created. On Shabbat morning, we relive the giving of the Torah at Sinai, as Moshe received the two Luchot (tablets). Finally, on Shabbat afternoon, we anticipate the future redemption, when God’s unity will be fully recognized by all.
These three pillars, creation, revelation, and redemption, form the foundation of Judaism’s message and mission. Creation unites all humanity under one Creator, emphasizing our shared origin and equality. Revelation teaches that true freedom requires structure and responsibility, with the Torah providing the blueprint for a meaningful and just society. Redemption reminds us of our ultimate goal: a perfected world under God's kingship. By experiencing these themes weekly, Shabbat keeps our vision alive and protects us from the pitfalls of materialism and idolatry.
Holiness manifests in two primary ways: through physical space and through time. The Mishkan is the epitome of spiritual holiness in physical space, while Shabbat is the epitome of spiritual holiness in time. Both share the theme of unity. The home of Hashem brings people together, just as Shabbat unites us in sacred time.
In Parashat Vayakhel, Moshe gathers the people, uniting them and presenting the keys to achieving lasting unity: holiness in space through a House of Hashem and holiness in time through Shabbat.
This is based on an idea by Rabbi Shlomo Riskin.
Shabbat Shalom