Pekudei - Reading #6

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #6 - Exodus 40:17–27

My Thoughts:

How exciting this must have been. After several months of preparation and construction, Moses is finally putting all together – just as Hashem commanded him. You see, he was preparing the most holy place for Hashem to dwell. He was making a “house” for Hashem, right here on the earth. Yes, they were witnessing His glory in the cloud during the day and fire at night. But, this was a place where Hashem was to be honored and worshiped. Where the people would be giving back to Him through sacrifices. Up to this point, it seemed like Hashem was giving of Himself to the people through signs, wonders and miracles. But now, the people had a chance to give back. To show Him how they loved Him and how grateful they were for their deliverance from Egypt. Look at your life today. How do you give back to Hashem?

Challenge:

As we see, the Tabernacle is a very special place of meeting Hashem. I have asked this before, but do you have a special place for Hashem? In Judaism, on Shabbat, a special place is always prepared. A table is set, candles are lit, bread is prepared and placed on the table, songs are sung, prayers are said and there are Torah readings and discussion. It is a very special way to honor and worship Hashem in today’s world. If you are not already honoring Shabbat in this way, I encourage you to start doing so. This is a challenge for myself, because we do not live in a Jewish community. But, I think it is time to start making Shabbat special, like the Tabernacle was made so special. A great place for a great Elohim. A place to meet on a regular basis. Amen!

Reading #6 - Exodus 40:17-27

17 In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was raised up. 18 Moses raised up the tabernacle, and laid its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its pillars. 19 He spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tabernacle above on it, as Hashem commanded Moses. 20 He took and put the covenant into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark. 21 He brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the covenant, as Hashem commanded Moses. 22 He put the table in the Tent of Meeting, on the north side of the tabernacle, outside of the veil. 23 He set the bread in order on it before Hashem, as Hashem commanded Moses. 24 He put the lamp stand in the Tent of Meeting, opposite the table, on the south side of the tabernacle. 25 He lit the lamps before Hashem, as Hashem commanded Moses. 26 He put the golden altar in the Tent of Meeting before the veil; 27 and he burned incense of sweet spices on it, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Pekudei - Reading #5

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #5 -  Exodus 40:1–16

My Thoughts:

It has been a year since the Israelites have left Egypt. And it is the beginning of the new year. This is when everything has been completed for the Tabernacle of Hashem and He is ready to have it raised. Isn’t that interesting that it would be exactly one year? It makes me think about Hashem’s perfect timing. We see that often in the Torah. Let’s apply that to our own lives. It is important to wait on Hashem when asking Him for help and even more importantly to wait for His perfect timing. Waiting is worth it. Trust me. But, really, trust Him!

Challenge:

What would that have felt like for Moses that Hashem is asking him to prepare everything for his brother to be a high priest. Moses could prepare offerings, but it was actually Aaron that would serve Hashem in the Holy of Holies. Even though Hashem regularly spoke with Moses, in a very personal way, he was not chosen to perform the High priestly duties. Think about that. Hashem’s relationship with Moses was very special and personal – and extremely anointed and important. I’m sure he did not feel “slighted” that he was not to serve in the Tabernacle. He had his own “position” with Hashem. I challenge you to look at your life and your relationship with Hashem. Are you in the “position” He has called you to be in? Or are you coveting or striving for another position? Pray and talk to Him about this.

Reading #5 - Exodus 40:1-16

40 Hashem spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “On the first day of the first month you shall raise up the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting. 3 You shall put the ark of the covenant in it, and you shall screen the ark with the veil. 4 You shall bring in the table, and set in order the things that are on it. You shall bring in the lamp stand, and light its lamps. 5 You shall set the golden altar for incense before the ark of the covenant, and put the screen of the door to the tabernacle.

6 “You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting. 7 You shall set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and shall put water therein. 8 You shall set up the court around it, and hang up the screen of the gate of the court.

9 “You shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and shall make it holy, and all its furniture, and it will be holy. 10 You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering, with all its vessels, and sanctify the altar, and the altar will be most holy. 11 You shall anoint the basin and its base, and sanctify it.

12 “You shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall wash them with water. 13 You shall put on Aaron the holy garments; and you shall anoint him, and sanctify him, that he may minister to me in the priest’s office. 14 You shall bring his sons, and put tunics on them. 15 You shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may minister to me in the priest’s office. Their anointing shall be to them for an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations.” 16 Moses did so. According to all that Hashem commanded him, so he did.

Pekudei - Reading #4

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #4 - Exodus 39:33–43

My Thoughts:

Here is the wrap up for the Tabernacle. Everyone did his/her part. Some gave money, some gave talents, some worked very hard to make everything. It is apparent that they all did their part. They worked together as a community, under one leader and produced excellent results. Isn’t that how we should live our lives? When called to work together with others, we should give our best. We must listen to the leader and follow what he/she says (always unless it goes against the word of Elohim). We must also do everything in excellence – giving it more than our best. Let’s agree today as we move forward in life, that we will follow the example of these believers. They were on a special journey, on the way to the promised land. And so are we. Let’s go there together, following one leader - Hashem – Holy is the L-rd..

Challenge:

We should never do something for someone else and expect something in return. However, here is the most amazing thing. When you do what Hashem has called you to do – there is a blessing, a reward. I can attest to that in my own life. I have served Hashem in ministry for many years. I could have earned way more by working a secular job. But, I knew I would be blessed in even greater ways working for Him. And I was and I continue to be. It is truly incredible when I look back and see all the miracles that Hashem did for me and my family. We have never lacked anything, and in fact we have been abundantly blessed. Believe this as you choose to serve Hashem. Just like in verse 40, “Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as Hashem had commanded. They had done so; and Moses blessed them.” Be blessed. Amen!

Reading #4 - Exodus 39:33–43

33 They brought the tabernacle to Moses: the tent, with all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, 34 the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the veil of the screen, 35 the ark of the covenant with its poles, the mercy seat, 36 the table, all its vessels, the show bread, 37 the pure lamp stand, its lamps, even the lamps to be set in order, all its vessels, the oil for the light, 38 the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent, 39 the bronze altar, its grating of bronze, its poles, all of its vessels, the basin and its base, 40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, and all the instruments of the service of the tabernacle, for the Tent of Meeting, 41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office. 42 According to all that Hashem commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work. 43 Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as Hashem had commanded. They had done so; and Moses blessed them.

Pekudei - Reading #3

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #3 - Exodus 39:22–32

My Thoughts:

In verse 30 we read that there is a crown for the priest that says “Holy to Hashem”. Why would Hashem think this would be needed? If you do a little research you will see it was actually common, in other religions, for priests to wear tiaras or crowns. Maybe Hashem decided that He would do the same for the priests among His chosen people, only their crowns would have a message. Their crowns would have a constant reminder that they must be Holy before the L-rd! It would encourage this responsibility. Maybe we too, need some sort of reminder to be holy before Hashem in all we do! What would that look like?

Challenge:

After each task, it is written “...as Hashem commanded Moses”. And in verse 32, after the Tabernacle is finished, we read, “The children of Israel did according to all that Hashem commanded Moses; so they did.” In other words, Moses got directions from Hashem – and conveyed them directly to the people. When they heard what to do, they did not question him, they just did it! I would like to challenge you today. As you study and read through the Torah – are you doing “all that Hashem commanded Moses”? That is what this blog is all about. Let’s read daily exactly what Hashem commanded Moses. And after reading and studying – let’s think about it and pray and ask Hashem how to follow His commands. So that we can answer like the children of Israel and as we hear the commands “so they did” (so we do!).

Reading #3 - Exodus 39:22-32

22 He made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue. 23 The opening of the robe in the middle of it was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn. 24 They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen. 25 They made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates around the skirts of the robe, between the pomegranates; 26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the skirts of the robe, to minister in, as Hashem commanded Moses.

27 They made the tunics of fine linen of woven work for Aaron and for his sons, 28 the turban of fine linen, the linen headbands of fine linen, the linen trousers of fine twined linen, 29 the sash of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Hashem commanded Moses.

30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it an inscription, like the engravings of a signet: “HOLY TO HASHEM”. 31 They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as Hashem commanded Moses.

32 Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting was finished. The children of Israel did according to all that Hashem commanded Moses; so they did.

Pekudei - Reading #2

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts
Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38
Reading #2 - Exodus 39:2–21

My Thoughts:

Forming a picture of what the Tabernacle and priestly garments would look like is often difficult. Many people have done research on this and I came upon a really great video today. Check it out: Priestly Garments. The most interesting item in the garment selection is the ephod. A sort of breast plate worn over the high priest's chest -- with the names of the twelve tribes engraved each on a special stone. And in addition a stone on each shoulder with the names of the tribes. Why was this important? The obvious answer is that Hashem carries us all on His shoulders and places our names over His heart. Just as the priests would carry the tribes, I believe so does Hashem. Think about it today. It is a wonderful feeling to know you are cared about so much by the Holy One of Israel!

Challenge:

Once again, every detail is given to the priests and the Tabernacle. Our Elohim is perfect and cares about everything -- even the smallest things. If He is so detailed about creating things -- so shouldn't we be? Sometimes I get in a hurry and overlook the small details of a project. But, after reading today's portion it makes me think we should be more careful. Maybe you are working on something today. Slow down and take time to carefully consider the smallest tasks. Whether you are creating or performing -- pay attention to it all. Make all you do as perfect as possible. Give it your best. Amen.

Reading #2 - Exodus 39:2-21

2 He made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 3 They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in with the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen, the work of the skillful workman. 4 They made shoulder straps for it, joined together. It was joined together at the two ends. 5 The skillfully woven band that was on it, with which to fasten it on, was of the same piece, like its work: of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, as Hashem commanded Moses. 6 They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel. 7 He put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel, as Hashem commanded Moses. 8 He made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod: of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. 9 It was square. They made the breastplate double. Its length was a span, and its width a span, being double. 10 They set in it four rows of stones. A row of ruby, topaz, and beryl was the first row; 11 and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald; 12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; 13 and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings. 14 The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to his name, for the twelve tribes. 15 They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold. 16 They made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 17 They put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate. 18 The other two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in its front. 19 They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which was toward the side of the ephod inward. 20 They made two more rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in its front, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod. 21 They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Pekudei - Reading #1

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Reading #1— Exodus 38:21–39:1

My Thoughts:

In today’s Torah Portion we read about how all the materials and money were accounted for. When money was being donated to this purpose, Hashem made sure it was all recorded and exact. Truly, we understand why. It was a lot of money! Because the Tabernacle was such a holy place, a place where Hashem was going to show His glory – everything must be as perfect as possible. Today in our synagogues and churches do we follow the same example? Hopefully, we are using honest accounting with the gifts that people have given. There are some organizations that have gotten in trouble in this area. Check with your place of worship and make sure their accounting system is forthright.

Challenge:

I did a quick research online to see what the cost of the Tabernacle construction would be and one article claimed it would be close to 1.8 million dollars! That is not a surprise. I would have thought with the price of gold today it would be more. But, this shows us how valuable and wonderful of a place this was. It was only the best for Hashem. So, think about this. Are you giving Hashem your best? Are you willing to take your income, gifts and talents and contribute to Him – however He is requiring? I’m talking about your personal life and how you live and give. Do we need to make changes in this area?

Reading #1— Exodus 38:21–39:1

21 These are the amounts of materials used for the tabernacle, even the Tabernacle of the Testimony, as they were counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the son of Aaron the priest. 22 Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that Hahsem commanded Moses. 23 With him was Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.

24 All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven hundred thirty shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 25 The silver of those who were counted of the congregation was one hundred talents and one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary: 26 a bek a head, that is, half a shekel, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those who were counted, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty men. 27 The one hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary and the sockets of the veil: one hundred sockets for the one hundred talents, one talent per socket. 28 From the one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels he made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them. 29 The bronze of the offering was seventy talents and two thousand four hundred shekels. 30 With this he made the sockets to the door of the Tent of Meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, all the vessels of the altar, 31 the sockets around the court, the sockets of the gate of the court, all the pins of the tabernacle, and all the pins around the court.

39 Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron, as Hashem commanded Moses.

Pekudei - Week #11

Pekudei  פְקוּדֵי - Accounts

Torah Reading: Exodus 38:21-40:38

Haftarah: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21

Apostolic Reading: Luke 16:1-13

First reading — Exodus 38:21–39:1

Second reading — Exodus 39:2–21

Third reading — Exodus 39:22–32

Fourth reading — Exodus 39:33–43

Fifth reading — Exodus 40:1–16

Sixth reading — Exodus 40:17–27

Seventh reading — Exodus 40:28–38