SEDRAS : VAYAKHEL-PEKUDEI- Shabbat Hachodesh : Hertz Chumash p. 373 Exodus Ch. 35

This week's Sedra is generously sponsored by Lionel Meerkin.

SYNOPSIS SEDRA : VAYAKHEL

("And he (Moses) assembled the people...) Moses transmitted the details of G-d's commands relating to the construction of the Sanctuary and its contents. However, he first emphasised - in the presence of the entire nation congregated before him - that the Holiness of the Shabbat overrides all other considerations, even work on G-d's own house.
The response of the people when first asked to contribute to the building of the Sanctuary was exceedingly generous, each individual donating whatever he could. Skilled women spun the materials. The tribal Princes each offered precious stones for the breastplate of the High Priest as well as oil and spices for the incense. Some women even donated their mirrors of highly burnished copper for the manufacture of the Laver and its vase.
Moses emphasised that Betzalel of the tribe of Judah had been singled out for his talent, wisdom and understanding of the details of the construction. His colleague Oholiav of the tribe of Dan was similarly talented, especially as an engraver and weaver. The gifts for building the Sanctuary became so plentiful it was necessary to ask the donors to stop bringing more materials.

The Sanctuary and its contents soon began to take shape, section by section.

SEDRA PEKUDE :

At Moses' instruction the total cost of the Sanctuary was computed. The work was inspected and approved by Moses who invoked G-d's blessing on the people for their participation and assistance in bringing this Holy project to a magnificent conclusion. On the 1st of the month Nisan - almost a year since the Exodus, the Sanctuary was erected under Moses' personal supervision and the contents were arranged in the prescribed order. A cloud blanketed the Sanctuary which was filled with G-d's Glory. Whenever the cloud lifted it signalled G-d's desire for the Israelites to continue their journey.

SPECIAL MAPHTIR - HACHODESH HERTZ CHUMASH P. 253 Exodus Chap. 12

The Maphtir introduces the month of Nisan, month of redemption and is a major source of the laws of Passover.

THE HAPHTORAH - HACHODESH HERTZ CHUMASH P. 1001 Ezekiel Chap. 45 16

Ezekiel describes the Temple rebuilt in the "New Jerusalem" and makes particular reference to the Passover sacrifices. This continues the theme of the special Maphtir for Shabbat Hachodesh.

TELL ME RABBI ..... THE MONTH OF NISSAN

"This month shall be for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you" (Shemot 12:2)
The world was created in Nissan (Rosh Hashanna 11)
"This month shall be for you the beginning of months": The Jewish people consider Nissan as the first month, and all other months, the second, the third, etc., should be counted according to it. Each time we count the months, we also remember the miracle of the Exodus. This is why the months have no name in the Torah for example "the third month", "in the second year, in the second month, the cloud was lifted" (Bamidbar 10:11); "and on the first day of the seventh month" (Bamidbar 29:1), and so on with all the months.
In a similar way we remember the Sabbath day, by counting the days of the week in accordance to it. However, when reckoning years, we do not count from Nissan but from Tishre. (Ramban, Parshat Bo). The names "Tishre", "Nissan" etc. originated during the time of the Persian/Babylonian exile.

Nissan is the month of redemption. In this month our forefathers were redeemed from Egypt, and in this same month the Jewish people will eventually be redeemed again, hopefully soon in our days. In this month our forefathers Abraham, Yitzchak and Yaacov were born (according to Rabbi Yoshua's opinion), and the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was set up (Shemot 40:2). Also, the princes of each tribe brought their offerings for the dedication of the mishkan. (Rosh Hashanna 11).

CUSTOMS FOR THE MONTH OF NISSAN

During the time of the Bet Hamikdash, our sages established the rule to teach the people thirty days before any one of the three festivals regarding its laws, so from Purim onwards, we begin studying the laws of Pesach.
It is customary to omit those additional prayers which are mournful or supplicatory since Nissan is the month of redemption. This is also based on the fact that on the completion of the Mishkan on the first of Nissan the princes of the tribes began offering their korbanot (sacrifices) for the dedication of the altar, one prince each day, until the 13th of Nissan. Each prince made a celebration on the day of his offering.
On the eve of Pesach the whole of Israel rejoiced, as they all brought the Pesach offering. After this follow the eight days of Pesach. Except for the 13th of Nissan, which has no special event, and the last few days of Nissan, most of the month was spent in holiness. Thus the whole month is considered a `Yom Tov' a period of Joy.

KIMCHA D'PISCHA - "flour for Pesach"

It was customary to buy wheat to distribute among the poor before Pesach in order to enable them to have Matzot for the Festival. This custom is particularly apt for our Festival of Freedom when we recline and relax as a sign of prosperity. It is an affront to G-d, if at such a time we ignore the plight of those who are in need. Today various funds exist in Jewish communities to enable families in need to buy supplies required for Pesach and the Seder.
Congregants wishing to contribute locally should get in touch with Rabbi.