
Here, as often throughout the Torah readings, the law of the Sabbath is repeated. Though these readings from Exodus are about holy objects, it is well to remember that the first designation of the word holy in the Bible in Genesis 2:3 is not given to an article, or even to a person: it is given to time—the Sabbath.
Everyone is involved in bringing the gifts for the Tabernacle. There is frequent use of terms such as those whose “hearts were stirred” and “spirits were willing.”
Moses repeats what the Lord gave to him in 31:2–6. This is among the earliest references in the Bible to the Holy Spirit filling someone. The Spirit gives Bezalel the anointing to gather all the gifts into the unity of the Tabernacle. God fills you with the Holy Spirit so that you may transform the gifts of others into a time and a place where God dwells.
This is the first of three parts of the Torah Portion Vayahkel (And He Assembled)
Conservative and Reform Jewish congregations read only this part this year,
as also in this Bible plan.
Here is the entire portion in all three parts.
Ex. 35:1—38:20
This year there is also read Pekude (Reckoning)
Exodus 38:21—40:38
Learn about Bible Breaths Learn More…
Example: Here and now is holiness. 36:19
The Saturday passages follow the reading list that Jewish people use in their synagogue worship
throughout the world. They are taken from
“The Torah,” the first five books of the Bible from Genesis to Deuteronomy
that are read each year beginning with autumn.
For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information