Constructing the Tabernacle

Building the Tabernacle, G-d’s terrestrial residence, must have been a most sought-after contract. What was it about Bezalel and Oholiab that caused them to land this coveted assignment?

Why does Moses issue a call for the “wise of heart”? Is this not a contradiction in terms? After all, wisdom is in the mind, while emotions are in the heart!

Men, women and children all lined up to contribute to the cause. One would hardly imagine that the children's gift made much of a difference to a project as grand as that of the Tabernacle...

The people who constructed the Tabernacle are described as being "wise-in-heart." Is not wisdom the domain of the brain?

The mirror does not completely obstruct the light, as do other objects. Instead, it reflects the light that shines upon it. It symbolizes how the creation itself can reflect and express the Divine light.

In parshat Vayakhel, we read how everyone gave donations for the construction of the Mishkan and its vessels, garments, etc.

We are here for a reason: to fashion this world into a dwelling place for G‑d.

Only when Betzalel and Aholiav work in unity can we forge a connection with G-d.

The "spiritual awakening" that is the objective and culmination of our working the Steps has been described as heaven on earth.

Creative self-expression is euphoric. But in Jewish thought, the expression of one’s talents is seen as something more—each soul has a unique mission as an agent of G‑d. The women who traveled with Moses in the desert had keen soul-awareness . . .