Parshat Vayahel-Pekude; Exodus 35:1 -40:38 By: Rabbi Denise L. Eger
This week’s double portion concludes the second book of the Pentateuch, the book of Exodus. In a leap year these two portions would be separated. We have stated once again the instructions for building and erecting the Tabernacle and all of its utensils and accessories. Moses reminds the people of Israel that the head of the building project, Bezalel, son of Uri, son of Hur of the tribe of Judah was selected by God. Bezalel the Torah teaches us was “endowed ...with a divine spirit of skill, ability and knowledge of every kind of craft, (Ex. 35:31).” Bezalel is so talented that he understands crafts as wide-ranging as cabinet making, weaving, stone cutting, weaving and silver and gold smithing. Usually these arts and crafts are specialties. One person rarely can do it all. But Bezalel is described as having knowledge of the entire craft and building skills that will be needed to make God’s portable desert dwelling! The Torah text tells us that Bezalel and his assistant Oholiab, son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan both have been endowed with these skills. They know it all. Both will be craftsman of the most intricate work but they will also supervise other workers and head the project.
Bezalel’s name means in the shadow of God. Teaching us that Bezalel because he was filled with the divine spirit and had so much wisdom he came under God’s protection. Thus there should be no challenges to his expertise or his direction. Twice God had to describe and explain the complicated design of the Golden Menorah and other special items to Moses. Finally tradition teaches in Midrash Shir HaShirim that Bezalel was shown the details by God when he was called up to Mt. Sinai. He immediately grasped the design that God showed him. Bezalel was craftsman, general contractor, artists, and draftsman all in one—taking the Divine vision and translating into earthly reality
His assistant Oholiab’s name mean father’s tent. How fitting because indeed he will assist Bezalel in the building of God’s tent!
Bezalel’s family is most important. It mentions that his grandfather was Hur. According to the Midrash as quoted in the Plaut Chumash, Hur during the episode with the Golden Calf defended the purity of worship and was killed by the mob. His grandson was given the honor of building the place of Jewish worship! His grandmother was also Miriam, Moses’ and Aaron’s sister. Thus the crafting and building of the Tabernacle in the desert was kept in the family. Bezalel was none other than the grand nephew of Moses and the high Priest, Aaron.
Bezalel’s wisdom and direction allowed the Tabernacle and all of its parts to be built of the highest quality. Thus in Pekude, Moses offers the craftsmen and women a blessing upon the completion of all the tasks and all the work (Ex. 39:43).
Posted by Lee at March 13, 2007 02:57 PM
