VaYakhel-Pekuday: Get Together

With Vayakhel-Pekuday, we have reached the conclusion of the book of Exodus.  In the first part of this double portion, we find Moses convening the Israelite community: after the sin of the Golden Calf, they must recenter their attention on the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), which will become a focal point for Israelite worship, and will give them a specific place to which they can direct their attention anytime they are longing to feel God's presence.  Where previously their hearts strayed as they sought to make the Calf a physical stand-in for God, now they have an officially sanctioned way of worshipping this God they cannot see.  (The second portion for this week, Pekuday, pertains to the furnishings of the Tabernacle)

Moses gathers all of the people to give the instructions for crafting and decorating the Mishkan.  He recognizes that all of the community must be emotionally invested in the project in order for it to be a success.  Even the selection of those who will oversee the enterprise takes this into account: Bezalel, who takes the lead on construction, comes from the large tribe of Judah; Oholiab, who will have oversight of the textile work, hails from Dan, a fairly small tribe.  But they, like the rest of their fellow Israelites, most come together for the good of the project.

It is somewhat ironic to be reading about such a large assembly when community gatherings are actually being curtailed in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.  Yet we should remember that we can build community without all participants being in the same place.  We can unite around common beliefs, common hopes, and common ideals.  That's a great way to Get Together.

Please note, I do not own-- nor do I claim to own-- these songs.  Copyrights are held by the various artists.  I include them here for illustrative purposes.
Get Together- (VaYakhel-Pekuday, Exodus 35:1-40:38)

Music and lyrics by Chet Powers; performed by The Youngbloods. From the album "The Youngbloods," RCA Victor, 1967.